Douglas Wayne Bowlby, 86, of Elkhart, died on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Raclin House, Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka.

He was born on October 24, 1939, in Elkhart to the late Otis and Velma (Huss) Bowlby.

Doug graduated from Concord High School in 1958. In 1966, he married Judith Rose Magera and they celebrated 42 years of marriage. They moved to Middlebury where they raised three children, Holly (Steven) Quasny, Melissa (Brien) Richmond and Joshua Bowlby.

Doug joined the Elkhart Fire Department in 1968, serving for 28 years. In 1984, he was appointed Fire Chief. His hobbies included sailing, winemaking, auctioneering, antiquing and wooden duck collecting. He was a member of the Kane Lodge, F. & A. M. 183, South Bend Scottish Rite, the Indiana Fire Fighters Association, former vice president of the International Chiefs Association and district vice president of the I.F.F.A. He was also active in the Fish Lake (LaGrange) community and was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church LaGrange.

Doug is survived by his three children and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judie in 2007, siblings James and Leita (Weaver).

Visitation for Doug will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations in memory of Doug may be made to the Center for Hospice Care 501 Comfort Place Mishawaka, In 46545.