Douglas Roy Letterly, age 82, of Coal City, IL passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Lightways Hospice in the arms of his beloved fiancée, Evy Bjelland after a long journey trying to recuperate from aortic aneurysm surgery in May.

Douglas was born on June 3, 1944 in Lincoln, IL to Norma Marie (Diebert) and Leroy Letterly. He was the first of four children. Doug graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1963. He married Lynne Marie Fitzpatrick in 1964 at Immaculate Conception Church in Braidwood. He and Lynn have two sons, Robert (Wendy) Letterly of Missouri and Joel Letterly of Coal City. Doug was very proud of his boys and their accomplishments. He and Lynne also shared two grandsons, Nicholas (Aja) Letterly of Waunakee, Wisconsin, Michael Letterly of Morris and granddaughter Brittany Montavon of Missouri, four great-grandchildren, Luca Letterly, Malia and Cooper Letterly, and Noah Montavon, all of whom survive him. Working various jobs as a youngster, including with his father in his construction business, Doug landed a job with Amoco from which he retired as a foreman, after 35 years of service. He also was an usher at Assumption Catholic Church for many years.

Included among his survivors are two brothers, Dale (Dana) Letterly of Moline and Denny (Cindy) Letterly of Davenport, Iowa, and a sister, Linda (the late Rick) Westerlund of Moline. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including a very special niece, Dawn (Rick) Talty of Coal City who he looked upon as a daughter, his fiancée, Evy and his “pretend” granddaughter, Caroline Childers, who loved him as a Grandpa.

Doug was preceded in death by his wife Lynne; his brother-in-law, Rick Westerlund, of Moline and his favorite pet, Dolly.

Doug was a member of the Knights of Columbus attaining the 4th Degree. He enjoyed working with the Knights and managed their finances for many years. He also helped out whenever asked on the various projects of the Knights, including selling Tootsie Rolls every year and cooking for their various feasts.

Doug’s favorite hobby was classic cars, of which throughout his life he owned several. He enjoyed going to car shows and meeting everyone. He could be seen driving around Coal City in his bright yellow Jeep, which was like an icon in the town.

He also enjoyed Westerns, especially John Wayne movies. His favorite was Donovan’s Reef. Doug was also a great wartime history buff. He could name any battle or commander for WWll. His mother’s brother, Thomas, was a pilot who was shot down over Czechoslovakia, where there is a monument to him and his crew.

Doug never missed coffee with the McDonald’s bunch every morning. He so enjoyed seeing all his friends and entertaining them in the Dougie way.

Doug liked going out to eat, especially Biscuits and Gravy at the Whistle Stop Café. Doug never met a person he didn’t like and was friendly to all. He will be greatly missed.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorial Visitation will be Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 10:00 am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 215 South Kankakee Street, Coal City, IL 60416 with Father Joshua Miller officiating. Inurnment will follow at Braceville Gardner Cemetery.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services of Coal City are entrusted with arrangements.