Mike Dougan

Michael LeRoy Dougan, 65, of Paola passed away in his home on March 17, 2011. Mike was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 4, 1946, the oldest son of LeRoy (Bud) Dougan and Cynthia Martin. He grew up in Stilwell, KS and graduated from Stilwell High School in 1964. He married Judith Knight on June 6, 1965. They were united for 27 years and were the parents of one son, Michael. Mike began his career at Pittman Construction where he drove a lowboy delivering pipe to various job sites. In the early 1980s Mike started his first business, Dougan Enterprises. His company specialized in sod and seed work. Eventually his love for horses and cattle drove him to expand Dougan Enterprises to include hosting indoor rodeos at The Horse Barn in Shawnee, KS. In 1989 he started a new business building upon his close relationships with the equestrian and farm community. Artisan Fence specialized in building pipe fences, barns and arenas. Mike moved to Paola in 1994. As he continued his pipe fence business he and DeCe Beery ran the horse camp at Hillsdale Lake. He loved horses and cattle and enjoyed spending his time building fences and barns to give them shelter and comfort. He also loved being a part of the Saddle Ridge Trail Riders. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Cynthia Dougan. Survivors include his son, Michael Dougan of Olathe; sister, Peggy Phelps of Raymore; brothers, Rick Dougan of Lenexa and Patrick Dougan of Raytown; and grandchildren, Eli and Shae Dougan. He also leaves behind two other boys he loved as family, Rick Beery of Osawatomie and Raymond Beery of Paola. Mike was a beloved father and friend. He was the quiet cowboy " one of the true good-ole-boys. In these last few years he was looking forward to retirement. He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and spending time with his dear friends at Circle C Caf" in Paola. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.