Douglas Jay Mays

It is with great sorrow that we must announce that Douglas Jay Mays left this world on April 4, 2025, at the age of 97, in Mesa, Arizona. Those who knew him recall fondly his devotion to his family, goodness to his friends, and interest in wheels and wings. Douglas was born to Blanche DuBois Mays and Otis Mays on Aug. 3, 1927, in Greenville. He graduated from Spencer High School and attended North Dakota State University. He served in the Army from 1945-47. He married Joy Rae Campbell on Aug. 29, 1953, in Britt. Doug worked as a salesman. He sold farm machinery in Spencer and later fish at Stoller Fishery in Spirit Lake.

Doug had a lifelong interest in vehicles. He had his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. He frequently flew local patients to the Mayo Clinic. He rode a motorcycle into his 80s. One never knew what car he might be driving.

Doug is survived by Joy, his wife of 71 years; his daughter, Lexa Mays-Poulakos (John); Douglas Mays Jr. (Linda); and Paul Mays (Nans). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Eroica Poulakos Hreha (Matt), Ariana Poulakos Zastrow (Eric), Travis Mays and Tatum Mays; as well as three great-grandchildren, Alexander Zastrow, Nikolas Zastrow and Evangeline Zastrow. Uncle Dougie is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his infant twin brother, Dwayne K. Mays; sister, Sue Mugge; brother-in-law, Keith Mugge; and sister-in-law, Donna Campbell. Doug was also preceded in death by his many friends in Spencer, Spirit Lake and Mesa.