Douglas C. McCrory

Douglas (Doug) Charles McCrory, 66, of Tuscola, IL, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly the afternoon of March 8, 2026. He was at his son’s house and had enjoyed a walk around the property before starting work on a project, which included visits from cousin Mike Morris and close friend (Buddy) Mark Geiler.

Visitation will be held from 1 PM to 4 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, located at 705 S. Main Street in Tuscola, followed by a celebration of life service at 4 PM. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Doug was born on September 24, 1959, the second child to Ralph and Carolyn McCrory.

After graduating from Tuscola High School in 1977, Doug moved to Texas and met the love of his life, Cynthia (Cindy) McFadyen. They married on November 3, 1983, and spent the next eleven years living in the Port Arthur area. While living in Texas, they welcomed their first child, Carly, and eventually relocated to Tuscola, where they grew their family to six, adding Sarah, Jackson, and Halle.

Doug was a loving husband and a hardworking, caring father who cherished his family and always made sure his wife and kids knew how much he loved them. Every time someone departed from somewhere, a kiss, hug, and “I love you” were exchanged.

He played guitar and shared his love of music with his kids, inspiring their admiration for artists like The Rolling Stones, Elvis, Don Henley, Warren Zevon, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Seger, and others. He taught them good life tips – how and when to check your oil, practical financial planning, rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals, strategies in euchre and dominoes, and to always choose dessert (cobbler or cheesecake, preferably).

Known for his quick, often perfectly timed humor, he had a knack for making people laugh and feel joyous. In the days since his tragic passing, many have shared how caring, wonderful, and fun he was. He was always checking in on others to see how they were doing, to share a funny clip or a classic song, send photos from his trail camera, or to talk about the stock market.

A respected and dedicated coworker, he retired from Energy Transfer in 2022, after nearly forty years with the company.

He loved the outdoors and practiced conservation. His passion was hunting, something he enjoyed his entire life. If he wasn’t watching sports, a western, or Seinfeld, more than likely, a hunting show was on TV. His garage full of gear will be put to good use by his family. He had recently purchased fishing equipment for the grandkids.

He was a devoted partner for almost fifty years and held the title of “BEST Dad” for nearly four decades. He was loved by his sons and daughter in-laws. Over the last seven years, he became Papa Doug – a name he was beyond proud to have. He spent countless hours with all seven grandkids. The family group chat is filled with special memories, jokes, and photos for everyone to cherish.

He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. His legacy will live on through his family.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy, of Tuscola; children: Carly (Tate) McCrory-McKay of Champaign, Sarah (Shane) Wasiloski of Tuscola, Jackson (Taylor) McCrory of Sadorus, and Halle (Chandler) Kerns of Tuscola; grandchildren: Leona, Hazel, Myles, Adalynn, Baker, Eleanor, and Gemma; mother-in-law, Mary Jane Jackson, of Tuscola; siblings: David (Julie) McCrory of Tuscola and Kathy (Steve) Gentry of Sadorus; and in-laws: Jane (Steve) Alagna, Jeff (Barbara) McFadyen, and Norma (Mike) Tavares. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and close lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Christine McFadyen.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Doug McCrory Memorial Tree Fund established at First Mid Bank & Trust, 410 S. Main Street, Tuscola. His family will honor him by planting trees in all his favorite places.

The family wishes to thank the first responders and healthcare professionals who provided assistance and grace to help our husband/Dad/Papa.