Douglas Martin Grassel

Douglas Martin Grassel Born July 5th 1949 in Mansfield Ohio. Died Saturday September 21st 2013 in Cologne Germany of pneumonia at age 64. I am holding an informal memorial service at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park located at S. Lk Silver Dr. at 3rd St., NW Winter Haven FL, 33880 at 10am on Saturday November 23rd 2013. Preceded in death by his father Joseph Grassel. Douglas is survived by his mother Margaret Grassel and three children: Scarlett Kilzer, Aaron Grassel, and Trevor Grassel; also his siblings April Roseberry, Kurt Grassel, and Trudy Watts. I never thought I would be sitting here reminiscing the life of my father and putting into words for the world to read. My father was a kind and gentle soul. He had a way about him that could turn around almost any situation. No matter how desperate something would seem, he could certainly always point out the silver lining. My father was a musician, and a very special one at that. He was the rhythm guitarist for the original Ohio Express, which were responsible for hits like Yummy, Yummy, Yummy' and Chewy Chewy'. My father believed that music was the language that everyone could understand. He had a gift in playing his guitar and brought smiles and joy to most everyone around him. My father was the type of man that you could always trust. He would be there for you no matter what. Even though he is no longer with us, I can still hear his advice echoing in my head. For one person to touch so many lives in such a positive way is something I can only hope to aspire to do. Douglas spent his last years in Cologne Germany following his dream. Understand, for a man like Doug it is impossible to be satisfied doing anything other than what you love. The guitar was my father's life; it was his reason for moving forward. The joy he felt when playing in front of a crowd was immeasurable. Not many people have the privilege of saying "my dad is a rock star" but I for sure can. My father would not want anyone to linger on his death. He was selfless until the very end, caring only about those around him. He was an absolutely remarkable man who loved without any fear. I think that in the end, if anything can be taken away from his death, that we should all strive to emulate our own lives how my father lived his; without fear, without retribution, without malice, with love and compassion for everyone this journey of life chances us to meet. Dad - the lessons you have taught me have made me the man I am today. I am grateful you were my father and lucky to have you in my life. I can't express to you how much you are missed. My heart feels so heavy, but if anything you have taught me to be strong and persevere and that in the end I will make it. With those words I can finally tell you Goodbye.