Charles “Doug” Stovall, 81, dies

Columbus, OH — Charles D. “Doug” Stovall, 81, of Lebanon, Ohio, died Feb. 10, 2019, at Ohio Living Quaker Heights, in Waynesville, after an extended illness.

Mr. Stovall was born Dec. 27, 1937, in Muhlenberg County, Ky., and later moved to Dayton. He was a graduate of Wilbur Wright High School in 1956. He was a high school football player, later playing semi-pro for the Dayton Triangles.

After being in business with his father as a ceramic tile craftsman, he pursued his horse racing career in the mid 1970s. He was an owner, trainer, and driver until his health prevented him from being active. As the owner of Firethorn Shirley he was proud that all her offspring took a mark of 1:58.4 or better.

Other notable horses he owned or trained were Flea Market, Sister Sunray, Stoman, Marley, and Swango. The highlight of his racing career was a horse called Youlookhot, who was named 2017 Older Pacer of the Year by the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association.

Joseph Essig has taken over training in Mr. Stovall’s absence.

He loved watching the races and all sports, playing cards, and took pride in mowing the paddocks and yard. He was a member of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, United States Trotting Association, and the Lebanon Eagles.

He was preceded in death by his son, Doug; daughter, Debi Farquhar; parents, Brooks and Nancy Irene Stovall; and sister, Bettie Carole George. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lois; children, Kelley Brown, Angi, Chris and Mark; stepchildren, William Freeze and Barry Freeze; grandchildren, Jessica Fitzgerald, Kara Berger, Kristin Farquhar, Cody, Brittany Eades, Austin Duncan, Barry Langley, Jeremy Langley, Dylan Pittman, and Justin Sutherland; several great-grandchildren; brother, James; sister, Carolyn Young; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends including Larry Landon, Al Van Schaik, Mel Stanley, and Mary Lou Stovall.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 23) at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A memorial service will be held immediately following at 2 p.m.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Quaker Heights for the incredible and loving care of Mr. Stovall, especially during his final days.

Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.

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