Douglas Lynn Fetters

My name is Jake, and I'm here to help the Fetters family through one of the most difficult times of their lives. On Monday, August 14th, my fiance (Claire Fetters) and her family experienced something that no family should ever have to live through. Something that no family plans for. Something that just isn't fair. Claire's father, Doug, passed away Monday morning after an almost year-long battle with cancer. Less than 50 days before he would have walked Claire down the aisle. He was just 60 years young.

If you knew Doug, you know he would not want me starting this fundraiser. He was a proud man. A man that loved his family more than anything. He was a hard-working man that, in a time like this, would rather be giving away what he had than accepting from someone else. Not 2 months ago did he give me $40 for mowing his lawn because he was just too tired and didn't have the strength to get out there. And he wouldn't let me leave their house without it. Maybe he was excited that I was out using the riding lawn mower we had gotten him earlier this year because he insisted on going out and mowing just weeks after his chemo and radiation treatments. We knew he shouldn't be out there using a push mower so we got him what became an instant hit. Mowing was one of Doug's favorite hobbies.

Even though Doug graduated from Bowling Green State University, where he played 2 years of collegiate football, he was a Buckeye at heart. The Fetters would always make it up to The Shoe for one football game every year. I was lucky enough to get to accompany them for the last 2 years. Doug would always ask Claire and me the week of Thanksgiving if we were going to be alright for the game this week. Unfortunately, we led him astray the last two years, but I like to think the Buckeyes will pull one out for him this year.

Above the Buckeyes and Bengals, mowing the lawn, and having a cold beer while making steaks on the grill, Doug loved his family the most. He was their rock. All of their best friends. The engine that made their family go. He was the main ingredient of a family that everyone would want to be a part of. A family that stands in the driveway and waves goodbye until you're down the street and around the corner. A family that lets you know that they love you 14 times before you hang up the phone. A family that always has an open seat at the dinner table. A seat that would normally be plated with a medium rare filet and mashed potatoes. Doug will be irreplaceable to the Fetters family. But I'm hoping that this family, that all of you, can help their family take the first step to becoming whole again.

I know that no amount of money can erase the pain the Fetters are feeling right now, but I am hoping to help fund any funeral costs that they are about to incur. It is something that no one should have to worry about in a time like this. The Fetters will truly be grateful for any help received in the coming weeks, whether it be a donation, a share of this post, or just a prayer for their family.

Thank you for stopping by and thank you for your support. It means the world.