PLANO, Texas — M. Douglas Archer — more commonly known as “Doug,” “Doc,” “Dad,” “Pop” and, as a child, “Marv” — died Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, after an 18-year battle with cancer. He was 75.
Mr. Archer was born to Bill and Iona Archer of Paxton on June 27, 1947, the third eldest of four siblings. He graduated from Paxton High School and received a bachelor’s degree in business from Southern Illinois University, where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. It was at SIU where he met his future wife, Patricia Theiss, on a blind date. They were married on Dec. 20, 1969.
Mr. Archer was a veteran, having served as an officer in the U.S. Navy after graduating from college. He was deployed on missions in Vietnam on the USS Tucker and later in Iran. After his military service, he found a way to apply his always-outgoing personality in the field of medical equipment sales with Chesebrough-Pond’s. His career evolved quickly from salesman to his final career stop as the chief executive officer of Sun Medical Inc.
More important than any aspect of his career were the enduring friendships he formed throughout his life. From Illinois to California to Washington to Connecticut and, of course, Texas, Mr. Archer forged deep and lasting relationships. He never met a stranger and always cared more about others than himself. He was equally adept at discussing politics, University of Texas sports, golf or delivering a perfectly timed “Pop joke.” Always one to enjoy life to the fullest, he ran thousands of miles training and racing, including in 15 marathons, and he skied avidly with Telluride being his favorite mountain. He also traveled to more than 45 countries, played hundreds of rounds of golf and continually sought ways to capture the best of every moment he spent with family and friends. He cherished supporting and watching his kids and grandkids in everything they tried or accomplished in life. He was an old-school coach and motivator but was always a cheerleader, as well. In retirement, he and his wife continued traveling the globe and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Surviving Mr. Archer are his wife of 52 years, Pat Archer; their son, Scott William Archer (Courtney) of San Antonio, Texas; their daughter, Kathryn Elizabeth Archer of Pflugerville, Texas; three grandchildren, Jack William Archer, Caroline Marie Archer and Lucas Earl Archer; his siblings, Bill Archer, Lila Beland (Larry) and Teresa Archer-Smith (Pat); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the physicians, nurses and caregivers who provided care over the years, as well as to family and friends for their continuous love and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Elizabeth’s: membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/TX775/22517.
