IRVING – Douglas Reid Grogan, 89, longtime architect of Irving, died peacefully at his home in Irving, Texas, on Jan. 22, 2013.
Service is 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at Plymouth Park Baptist Church in Irving, followed by interment at 2:30 p.m. at the DFW National Cemetery. Visitation is 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, at Donnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home, 606 W. Airport Freeway, in Irving.
Doug was born June 9, 1923, in Weatherford and spent all of his early years in Weatherford, except for a short time in Mineral Wells. He graduated from Weatherford High School in 1940 and attended Weatherford Junior College for one year and Texas A&M University, in Bryan, for two years. He enlisted in the Army in December 1942 and was called into active service and sent to Camp Wolters in Mineral Wells, and then to Camp Maxey in Paris, Texas, for specialized training followed by two semesters at The Citadel in South Carolina.
Upon completion of his training he was assigned to the 100th (Century) Division Combat Infantry Unit and promoted to acting corporal. He was very proud of his award of the Expert Infantryman’s Badge.
In September 1944 he was sent to Europe with the 100th Division and entered combat in Marseilles, France, and thereafter in many other places in France and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was promoted to acting sergeant and soon thereafter he received a battlefield commission to second lieutenant and thereafter to first lieutenant. Doug was awarded the Bronze Star with Clusters for meritorious service in combat as well as several other combat related awards including the good conduct medal.
Surprisingly, on Dec. 10, 2012, Doug was honored by the French government and appointed a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor for his personal and meritorious contribution in the United States’ decisive role in the liberation of France in World War II.
Doug was discharged from service in July 1946 and married Barbara Smith in August that year. They have recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. After their marriage, Doug returned to Texas A&M where in 1948 he received his degree in Architecture. They moved to Big Spring, Texas, to begin his architectural career. He stayed active in the Texas National Guard, serving as executive officer of the 132nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Division, and he remained active in the Guard for several years.
It was in Big Spring where Doug and Barbara became parents of a son, Doug Jr., and a daughter, Deborah. Their next move was Doug working for the George Dahl Architectural Firm. Later in 1953 they moved to Irving, where Doug set up his own architectural firm with partner Jim Scoggins. Their practice was very successful and among their many commissions were the current Irving City Hall, numerous churches, commercial buildings, personal residences, shopping centers and other projects across North Texas.
During his years in Irving, Doug served on many city and civic boards. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Las Colinas Rotary Club and a longtime active member of Plymouth Park Baptist Church. He chaired the Board of Deacons and was honored a life deacon for service to this church.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Smith Grogan; son, Dr. Douglas R. Grogan Jr. and wife, Patty, of Brockton, Mass.; daughter, Deborah Paxton and husband, John, of Southlake; brother, Roy Grogan and wife, Jeanne, of Weatherford; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Doug was preceded in death by his father and mother, C.B. and Blanche Grogan, of Weatherford.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that gifts in honor of Doug be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301, Plymouth Park Baptist Church or your charity of choice.
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