Doug Virden

Doug Virden ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Armstrong Funeral Home - Mount Ayr on Mar. 5, 2026.Douglas Lynn Virden was born January 19, 1954, to Francis and Fornola (Higday) Virden in Leon, Iowa. As the only boy in a family with five sisters, Doug grew up surrounded by plenty of adventures and family life.Doug attended Grand Valley School, where he stayed busy and active. He played basketball, baseball, ran track, was a member of the band, FFA, and also in the 4-year letterman club. He graduated from Grand Valley in 1972 as Class Vice-President and selected Homecoming King. Doug went on to attend college at Northwest Missouri State University.Doug later married Janette VanLaar, and together they welcomed their daughter, Makenzie Jill Virden, on July 12, 1986. Makenzie was the light of Doug's life, and he was incredibly proud to be her dad. Over the years, Doug worked as a draftsman for Ringgold County before moving to Boone, where he then worked for Boone County and later for Redeker's.Everything Doug did was with great pride and dignity. Whether it be with family, work, putting up the Christmas lights at the courthouse, or woodworking for fun. He was a true craftsman with amazing talent and a steady hand.Sports and competition were always a big part of Doug's life. Doug's love for fast pitch softball was undeniable, and he loved being behind the plate. He understood the assignment well and was one of the best catchers of his time. His teammates were like family, and they spent many summers together traveling and making memories to last a lifetime. Later in life, the bowling alley became one of his favorite places, where he enjoyed his league nights and the friendships that came with them.Anyone who knew Doug knew he had a competitive streak. Whether it was cards, board games, pool, ping pong, croquet, bowling, or sports, he was always ready for a game and always played to win. That competitive spirit was something he proudly passed down to his daughter, Makenzie.Doug's greatest pride and joy were his daughter Makenzie and his granddaughters, Kambreigh and Aspen Still. He loved spending time with them, especially the weekends he spent at Brock and Makenzie's home. Those weekends were often filled with board games, cribbage, laughter, and memories that will be cherished for years to come, usually with Doug's competitive side making an appearance.Doug was someone who enjoyed life and the people around him. He was always ready for a good time with family, friends, or teammates. He will be remembered for his kindness, his good spirit, and the many memories he shared with those who knew him. Doug had many titles in his lifetime - son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend, teammate, coworker, and father-but his most recent and favorite was Grandpa. It was the role he cherished most, and he enjoyed every moment he spent with Kambreigh and Aspen until the very end.Doug passed away March 3, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Fornola Virden, and his sisters Sandra Campbell, Linda Foland, and Stephanie Beck.He is survived by his daughter, Makenzie Virden-Still and her husband Brock of Mount Ayr, Iowa and his granddaughters, Kambreigh Shae and Aspen Celae. He is also survived by his sisters Vicki (Vincent) Jackson of Winterset, Iowa, and Mitzi (Gaylen) Tann of Waterloo, Iowa along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.Memorials can be made to the Judge Lewis Little League fields in Mount Ayr, Iowa.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.