Douglas Earl Stites

Douglas Earl Stites, age 74, a steadfast and principled public servant, passed away peacefully at his home on May 25, 2025. Known for his directness, honesty, and unwavering integrity, Doug lived a life marked by quiet strength, ethics and dedication to his work, his family, and his community.

Born on September 8, 1950 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Doug was the cherished son of Robert E. and Leona (Oehrl) Stites. His formative years were spent on the shores of Lake Mecosta, a place that remained dear to his heart and evoked treasured memories of a childhood surrounded by family, nature, and animals.

After graduating from Central Michigan University and Lake State Superior University, Doug spent several decades in Sault Ste. Marie, leading the Michigan Works! Of the Upper Peninsula. His daughter, Robin, was born in 1979. In the late 1980’s, Doug met Leanne, and he soon relocated to the Lansing area and began working for the State of Michigan. Doug and Leanne married in 1990.  

Doug’s most notable professional contributions included his tenure in the office of Governor John Engler, advancing workforce development initiatives across the state. There, Doug’s keen intellect and sharp political insight, nurtured by his voracious appetite for reading and his deep interest in history and public affairs, allowed him to help guide policy decisions with purpose and conviction.

Following his time in the Governor’s office he continued his leadership as CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works! where he served with vision and determination. Doug’s dedication to developing the workforce of Michigan and his ability to bring people together helped shape policy, improve lives, and build stronger communities across the state.

Doug’s love of the outdoors was deeply rooted in his experiences across Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula, where he developed a lifelong passion for hunting, both fur and fowl. That passion was born from lessons first taught by his mother, who introduced him to hunting and fishing and later to cooking the wild game he brought home. Those early experiences blossomed into a love of cuisine and hospitality. It was not uncommon for Doug to spend days planning and preparing elaborate gourmet meals for family and friends, fussing over the details of each dish until it met his high standards. These dinners were more than meals, they were expressions of his love, creativity, and attention to detail.

Doug was known for his commanding presence and keen sense of purpose. He possessed a powerful personality that allowed him to lead with clarity, negotiate with strength, and make difficult decisions with confidence. Whether guiding a complex workforce initiative, planning a weekend fishing trip, or pouring over the details of the next family dinner gathering, Doug always knew where he was going and how to get there.

Doug is survived by his wife of 34 years, Leanne; his daughter, Robin Stites; stepchildren, Tracy (Robert) Rossman and Christopher Waite; grandson, Joseph Arens; brother, Phillip Stites; and a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and extended family who admired and respected him deeply.

Friends and loved ones are encouraged to remember Doug by sharing memories on his Tribute Page on the Pray Funeral Home website at www.PrayFuneral.com, or making a donation to a local Hospice organization. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In honoring his legacy, we remember a man who served with dignity, loved with sincerity, and lived with unwavering purpose, always leading from the front, and always inviting others to his table with warmth and grace. May his memory live on in the lives he touched and the stories that will be shared for generations. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI.