Douglas Lamont Day, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, departed this world on April 17, 2026. He was 77 years old. While the cause of death is unknown, his sudden and rapid passing has led to speculation that he was hit by lightning and beamed up while relaxing in his man-cave. Doug - a lifetime spiritual seeker, adventurer, and explorer of the unknown, would have loved this idea.
He was born on October 24, 1948, in Warren, Michigan, to Margaret (Lamont) Day and William Day. He was the oldest of their three children. Growing up, Doug loved spending time at his grandparents' farm and church camp. He attended Lincoln High School in Warren and graduated in 1966.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at the height of the Vietnam War and was deployed there for two years. After returning home, Doug enrolled at Graceland College in Iowa and later at Northwest Missouri State University, completing his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a Social Studies focus in 1976. Later, he completed his Master of Science in Education also at Northwest. Doug was passionate about his career as an educator and worked hard to become a successful secondary school teacher and administrator.
He taught history, world religions, and psychology at Blue Springs High School. He also coached volleyball and track there. Doug went on to serve as the Vice Principal of the Alternative High School in Blue Springs before his Retirement in 2008. He was voted teacher of the year by his students seven years in a row. "Mr. Day was my favorite teacher; Mr. Day really believed in me; Mr. Day helped me think outside the box; Mr. Day made sure I graduated; Mr. Day changed my life," are just a few of the comments his former students have shared about him over the years.
Outside of work, Doug had a myriad of hobbies and interests: golfing, metal detecting, martial arts, camping, playing cards with his lifelong buddies, coaching, attending his grandkids' sporting and school events, playing the didgeridoo, shopping for great deals at thrift stores, exploring the possibility of extra-terrestrial beings, and Bigfoot tracking, to name a few.
Doug was also an avid reader and devoted himself to finding answers to the many questions he had about what happens after death, the great unknown. On the day he departed, he purchased his last book. It's a summary of the spheres and planes we encounter after death, what happens in each, and how they lead to the entrance to the Eternal Realms. The Name of the book: "Getting the Hell out of Here," by Geoff Cutler – He would have put a comical spin on that.
Doug was the weirdest/coolest man you'd ever want to meet and know.
He is survived by his wife Susie, daughters Sarah Day and Leah Maloney, and their mother Elaine Allen, step-son Ross Falen, grandchildren Leilani, Ashton, Morgan, Mac, and Mylo, sisters Debra Day and Peggy Day (Terry Leeser), many extended family members, and hundreds of friends and former students, each of whom will remember him with love and affection.
A celebration of Doug's life will be held at:
Walnut Gardens Community of Christ Church
19201 East RD Mize Rd, Independence, MO
May 17, 2026, at 3 pm
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Doug's name. He would've liked that.
