Gerald McDougall

Gerald Sanford McDougall, 71, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 5, 2017, while comfortably watching CNN and waiting to meet a dear friend for dinner. He passed so peacefully, we are certain it was from natural causes and not from the reporting of the current political climate.

Gerry was born Nov. 24, 1945, in Berkeley, California (joining big brother Robert Duncan McDougall) to Arthur and Era Bell Sandy McDougall.

After graduating from California State University-Chico, he received his doctorate from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. After a brief stint in the Army, he served the students of Wichita State University for 19 years as a professor of economics. He came to Southeast Missouri State University in 1993 as the dean of the Harrison College of Business.

Gerry was deeply loved by so many, including his family and esteemed colleagues, both of which he would have said were better, smarter and prettier than he.

The love of his life, Karen Lynn Hudgens, is not only a devoted wife of 48 years, but also a travel buddy, fellow foodie and constant reminder to shut the refrigerator door.

He was especially proud of his two daughters, Bryn (George) Wilson and Kristin (Brian) Grupas. This might surprise some knowing all he did at SEMO, such as starting the Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Organization Behavior programs, establishing the Center of Economic Research and Development and helping establish the Catapult Creative House. For all these accomplishments, he would have downplayed his role and given credit to those working with him.

It might also surprise some that the curmudgeon look he sometimes gave had absolutely no impact on the adoring five grandkids, all of whom loved their "Grumpy" beyond belief. Yes, they called him "Grumpy." And yes, he was wrapped around all their tiny little fingers.

If you are still reading this and happened to know Gerry, then you know he is wildly unimpressed that it is taking this long to simply state how very loved and greatly missed he will be. So, in his own words, "Enough. Everything is going to be OK."

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

There will be a reception following the funeral from noon to 3 p.m. at the Robert A. Dempster Hall Atrium on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

All memorials should be sent to the Southeast Missouri University Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.