Douglas Van Fleet, 82, of Paducah, met his heavenly reward on Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at Baptist Health of Paducah.
Douglas was a well known retired music educator in the Paducah area, working in the past at St. Mary’s School system, and most recently at the Paducah City School system. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Paducah, loved UK Wildcats, and was an avid Facebook poster. He was also a member of KMEA, and with that love of music he laid the foundations for the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, coordinated Concerts in the Park, and founded the Paducah Community Band and the Paducah Concert Band among others.
Douglas is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Mary Jane Van Fleet; three children, Angie (Steve) Fisk of Symsonia, Joseph (Laura) Van Fleet of Richmond, Ky., and Aaron (Danielle) Van Fleet of Richmond, Ky.; two brothers, Jay (Nyla) Van Fleet of Huntsville, Ky., and Max (Helen) Van Fleet of Texas; five grandchildren, Chloe Kerrick of Evansville, Ind., Parker Kerrick of Lexington, Ky., James Van Fleet of Richmond, Ky. Eli Van Fleet of Richmond, Ky., and Claire Van Fleet of Richmond, Ky.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Van Fleet and Ruth Sumner Van Fleet; and two sisters, Brenda Van Fleet and Scottie White.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 23rd 2024 at the Paducah Tilghman Auditorium and the Doug Van Fleet Band Room from 1-3pm.
Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Paducah Tilghman Band and Orchestra programs.