DOUGLAS WATTENBARGER

January 11, 1950 - March 19, 2021

Douglas Wattenbarger, born January 11th, 1950, passed away on March 19th, 2021 at the age of 71. Doug was born in Bakersfield, CA where he attended Standard School and North High School, and later graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Animal Science. He returned to Bakersfield to join the family construction business and became heavily involved in the community, spending many years on the Standard School District Board and as the self-proclaimed “Mayor of Oildale”.

After years of focusing on his career and enjoying his youth, Doug was introduced to his love, Ellie Sill in Shafter. Doug and Ellie built a life together along with their four children, who have always been at the center of their lives. In 2017, Doug was blessed with the gifts of a heart and kidney transplant, giving him a second chance at life and an opportunity to strengthen his faith. Doug lived life to the fullest enjoying time outdoors hunting and fishing and focusing on friendships, new and old. He can be remembered by his infectious personality and witty sense of humor.

Doug is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ellie (Sill) Wattenbarger, brother Jeff Wattenbarger (Mary), his children Ben Neuman, Andy Neuman (Kristen), Meggan McDonald (Wes), Abby Webb (Kohl), and grandchildren Jackson McDonald, Landon McDonald, William Neuman, Olivia Neuman, Addison McDonald, and Benson Neuman. He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Eleanor Wattenbarger and his brother Dick Wattenbarger.

Services celebrating his life will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home Northeast at 3700 River Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93305 on April 14th at 9:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to JJ’s Legacy to promote the life-saving power of organ donation.