Douglas L. Hayworth, age 67, of Huntingburg

Douglas L. Hayworth, age 67, of Huntingburg, passed away suddenly at 12:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2020, at his home of heart failure.

He was born October 23, 1953, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Wilford Leon and Mary (Hills) Hayworth, who preceded him in death.  He had no siblings or children; but many dear nieces and nephews, a Godson, and a cousin, Deb Wire, who was like a sister to him.  He was a graduate of Wiley High School and attended ISU graduating with a Masters of Psychology.

His sport passion was playing baseball.  He was the pitcher for his Pony League team who won the Indiana State Championship.  He continued playing through high school and for Indiana State University.  He received the award for Outstanding Athlete/Scholar at ISU.  He was also a National Merit Scholar finalist.  Sport specific strength training continued to be his lifelong passion.  He was a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and trained with Stephane Cazeault of the KILO Strength Society.

Doug worked for 40 years at Southern Hills Counseling Center / Life Springs Health Systems; and in March of 2020, he resigned his position after numerous health issues.  He provided inpatient and emergency services in coordination with Memorial Hospital’s Psychiatric Unit; was the 5-country Gatekeeper with Evansville State Hospital; and provided psychological testing.  He held licenses for National Counselors, Social Workers, Family and Marriage Therapy, Addictions, plus specialties in EMDR and Havening for trauma treatment.  Doug played a major part in supervising students going into the field and in training new staff.  He was held in high esteem by his peers and was often sought out to assist with difficult cases.  Over the years Doug developed many community contacts especially in the Judicial System and among Medical Staff.  He touched many lives with his compassion and wisdom; and knew when to lighten things with humor.  He was a strong advocate for his clients and fought to be sure they received the best care.  His greatest satisfaction was being with his clients and helping them heal from traumas, watching them grow and improving their lives.

Doug had a dry wit to which most who knew him would attest.  But he could also be very tender and supportive.  His intellect had few bounds.  He usually had five or more books he was alternatively reading, much to the chagrin of his wife who ran out of bookcases, spots for stacks on the floor and the discovery of numerous Kindle/Amazon line items on their monthly bill.  He was a lifelong student with a wide variety of reading interests including history, science, politics, religion, sports training, investing, autobiographies, as well as mental health topics.  His ability to share at length what he had learned amazed us all.  He left a legacy of many stories about him with his family and friends.  He was loved by many.

Due to the pandemic there will be no visitation.  Nass & Son Funeral Home in Huntingburg will oversee a private graveside burial on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., at Fairmount Cemetery in Huntingburg.  Salem Church’s pastor, Rev. Mark McDaniel, will officiate. Leah asks that family and friends be with her in spirit at that time.  In lieu of flowers/gifts, memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Church of Christ, N.A.M.I. (National Alliance for Mental Illness of Dubois County), or the Dubois County Humane Society.

“The important thing is not to think much but to love much, and so do that which best stirs you to love.”  St. Teresa of Avila