MR. DOUGLAS LOUIS RAPHAEL

Obituary 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ASV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our a?iction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any a?iction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God Douglas Louis Raphael, 81, was born on July 31, 1938 to Cecil E. and Bert V. Raphael in Kansas City, Missouri. He peacefully transitioned on Sunday afternoon, July 20th 2020 at the University of Kansas Hospital surrounded by loving family at his bedside. He was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating from Booker T. Washington in 1952 and Lincoln High School in 1956. After graduation from high school, Doug followed his love of anatomy and caring for others by pursuing his career as a mortician initially attending Bethany College in Kansas. He received his formal training in Mortuary Sciences in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduating from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in 1963. During the beginning of his career, he worked with the Batesville Casket Company and subsequently co-owned a Funeral Home in Milwaukee. Being a devoted and faithful son, Doug, relocated from Milwaukee back home to Missouri after 1978 to care for his mom following a stroke. This sel?ess decision allowed the family to be secure and comforted in knowing that he would be by her side. Even at the time of his passing, he shared that he had been blessed with the best parents in the world. “Mr Raphael” as he was called by many who knew him, was always a silent help and support to the elderly and those of the community in need. Many who knew him would say he was the type of man that met no stranger. Douglas Raphael has been an honorable Lodge brother and dedicated leader in the Lawrence A. Jones Funeral Chapels over 42 years. He started his career with the Jones Family under the tutelage of Lawrence A. Jones, Sr., and showed equanimity and dedication at all times as a funeral director, mentor, counselor and wealth of knowledge to all with whom he worked. Known to Mr. Lawrence A. Jones, Jr. as “ The Consummate” , “ The Ultimate” and “The Leader” per Reverend DeLawrence Shepherd, Chapel Onsite Manager, Douglas Raphael was the Funeral Directing Manager and well respected by his friends and colleagues in the ministry and the funeral home community. He committed his life to serving others with compassion and the utmost of care during their time of need. He was known as a gentle giant with a huge heart as he honored the lives of those loved ones that had gone beyond. He was an integral leader and patriarch in the Kansas City and surrounding community. Doug always greeted you with a smile, a laugh and usually a delicious meal. Also an elaborate baker, gourmet chef and homemaker, his cinnamon rolls, biscuits, holiday dressing and desserts, sweet potatoes with all the trimmings, mint iced tea, and recipes to name a few, will live on in the aromas of family kitchens the world over. A dapper dresser who loved cowboy boots and probably had a pair for every day...Doug was always crisp, professional and as he would say “gotta look sharp!”. He was the family storyteller and historian, sharing the invaluable history of our heritage and roots from Louisiana to Missouri. While much of his family lived a distance away, every family member shared a special closeness and bond with Uncle Doug, his warm laughter and smile. He always made you feel at home, picking up from the last conversation at any moment. The Raphael family were members of the Paseo Baptist Church, under Reverend D. A. Holmes, where Doug was raised knowing the Lord. Doug had a special relationship with and place for God in his life and heart. He once said that everyday was a Sunday when he could comfort and share a sermon with a family and their loved ones. The Lord would say of Uncle Doug, Doug, Mr. Raphael...” You have done well my Gentle Servant “ In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to: American Diabetes Association/ Live Empowered/ African American Programs Diabetes.org Fundraise.kidneyfund.org in Memory of Douglas Raphael *Masks and social distancing are required for entrance as to protect our family and community.* Visitation will be held on Monday, August 3rd from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Linwood Funeral Chapel. Private Service & Burial. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of MR. DOUGLAS LOUIS RAPHAEL, please visit our floral store. Read More

MR. DOUGLAS LOUIS RAPHAEL

July 31, 1938 - July 20, 2020