Douglas Eugene Soard, age66 of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly at home at 2:30 pm Saturday, April 20, 2013. He was born November 6, 1946 in Van Lear, Kentucky to Leslie and Joan (Brush) Soard. Doug was a graduate of Elkhart High School, class of 1965, and completed the Apprenticeship Program for Tool & Die through the CTS Corporation in Elkhart. On November 21, 1965, he married the former Diana Salomon in Elkhart.

Doug is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diana (Salomon) Soard of Elkhart, and his daughter Dorry (Jack) Foltz. Also surviving is his son-in-law, Kevin Bailey and grandchildren, Rachel (Andrew) White, Colin Bailey, and Jared and Rylee Foltz. Surviving as well are his siblings, Chuck (Terrie Bailey) Soard and Sally (Jack) Schwerha, and four nieces. Doug was also anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great-granddaughter within the next few weeks. Preceding him in death were his parents, and his daughter, Darcy (Soard) Bailey.

Doug was employed by Valley Machine Products for 19 years, and worked a total of 29 years with the CTS Corporation in Elkhart, where he served as a IAM Union Steward.

Visitation will be held from 1-3 and 5-7 pm Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, April 26, 2013 at Chapel Hill with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Doug was a loving and devoted husband and father. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and leather working. He loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren.

In his memory, donations may be made to the United Cancer Agency Services of Elkhart County, 23971 US Highway 33, Elkhart, IN 46517.