Douglas Clarence Sides

Douglas C. Sides

Douglas C. Sides, age 75, of Lusk passed away Sept. 13, 2005, after a hard fought battle with emphysema. His wife and daughters were at his side. A graveside service, conducted by the Lusk Elks Lodge No, 1797, was held 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2005 at the Lusk Cemetery. Military honors were conducted.

A lifelong resident of Niobrara County, Doug was born in Lusk on July 15, 1930, the youngest child of Clarence and Verda (Walters) Sides. He grew up with his brother and sister on the family ranch north of Node, where he loved bareback riding and was very accurate at roping his mother's turkeys. He attended Node School through the 10th grade, and graduated from Sioux County High School in 1947. While in high school he played basketball and football. According to Everett Kilmer, once he got a football, he couldn't be caught. Doug said that was because he wasn't going to let those big guys pile on top of him.

From 1947 to 1951, Doug worked on the family ranch. From Jan. 7, 1951 to Jan, 7, 1955, Doug served in the U.S. Air Force, first as a tail-gunner during the Korean War and then was one of the pioneers in air-to-air refueling where one of his greatest thrills was "Flying the boom".

After returning from overseas, Doug was married to Beth Wasserburger on April 22, 1953 at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Lusk. Their marriage was blessed with the births of two daughters, Sheila and Lisa.

After his service years, Doug worked for the C & H refinery and then for the Wyoming Highway Department. He was Department foreman from 1979 until his retirement in 1987.

Doug was an avid football fan, especially of the Denver "Donkeys" and the U.W. "Cowpokes". For many years, he and his family enjoyed camping and fishing at Cold Creek in north-eastern Wyoming. Doug and Beth enjoyed double-deck pinochle, and played many marathon games with Sheila and her husband Jim. One of his greatest joys was the time spent with his wonderful grandchildren, Joshua, Daniel, Moriah and Keilah.

Doug joined Lusk Elks Lodge #1797 in 1974 and on March 6, 2003, was honored with lifetime membership. He was exalted Ruler 1982-83, a Grand Lodge member, Elk of the year in 1990, and Veterans Volunteer of the year in 2000. He was very dedicated to fundraising for the Elks, Veterans, Affairs, and memorials to that fund would be appreciated by the family.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Beth; his daughters and their husbands, Sheila and Jim Tangney of Lusk, and Lisa and Chris Gilbert of Colorado Springs, Colo.; his grandchildren, Joshua, Daniel, Moriah and Keilah Gilbert; his brother, Ralph Sides of Lusk, his sister, Beverly Rasmussen of Sioux City, Iowa; and many cousins, nieces nephews and friends.

Cicmanec-Pier Funeral Home in Lusk is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

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