Pastor Doug Romine, age 81 of Watertown, Tennessee formerly of Salem, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at his home.
Doug was born on July 18, 1943, in Arcola, Illinois the son of Bill and Ruth (Moore) Romine. He married Ellen Kay (Buchanan) Romine on October 2, 1964, in Tuscola, Illinois and together they shared 57 years united in marriage and serving the Lord until her passing on November 20, 2021.
Survivors include his two daughters, Carmen White and husband Bob of Salem, and Delmona Vick and husband Ray of Watertown, Tennessee; grandchildren, Zachary Donoho and wife Kristin, Carissa Cantrell and husband Jesse, Coleman Garner, Miranda Guerra and husband Travis, Jared White and wife Lauren, Kelsey Heinzmann and husband Cody, Derek Vick and wife Ashley, and Seth Vick and wife Katie; 20 great grandchildren with two more expected soon; a brother, Dean Romine; brother in-law, Roger Buchanan; and a sister in-law, Sue Wright and husband Elmer. He was also survived by several nieces and nephews. Doug was a best friend to all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ruth; his wife, Kay; father and mother in-law, Art and Doris Buchanan; son in-law, David Donoho; sister, Martha Clark; brothers in-law, Earl Clark and Max Buchanan; sister in-law, Phyllis Buchanan; and a grandson, Jordan White.
Doug was a devoted husband to his middle school sweetheart, Kay, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many. Yet, the title he cherished most was child of God.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Doug proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1964. After his service, he married Ellen Kay Buchanan. Doug accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord of his life and faithfully answered the call that God placed on him and his family to enter the ministry. He attended Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and upon graduating, began pastoring in Clinton, Missouri.
Doug later returned to Illinois, where he continued his ministry for many years, pastoring churches in Villa Grove, Marshall, Salem, Casey, Flora, Olney, and again in Salem. He viewed every day as an opportunity to minister and share the love of Jesus with those around him.
Doug had a gift for storytelling and always had a joke—or a prank—ready for any occasion. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and found joy in God’s creation.
His daughters and grandchildren are incredibly proud of the life he lived, a life marked by humility, service, and unwavering faith. Doug was a true servant of Christ, and we rest in the assurance that he is now rejoicing in heaven, reunited with his beloved wife and in the presence of his Savior.
Funeral services for Doug Romine will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Grace Church of the Nazarene in Salem with Kevin Donoho and Larry Hucker officiating. Burial will follow at the Summit Prairie Cemetery in rural Salem with military rites by the Salem American Legion. There will be a time of visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Doug Romine, Faith, Family, Freedom Fund – dedicated to honoring the legacy of a man whose life was built on service, sacrifice, and a steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ. This fund exists to support veterans in finding healing, purpose, and brotherhood through outdoor adventures- offering not just to explore creation, but to rediscover hope, strength, and direction in every area of their lives. These funds will be received at the church on the day of the service or at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem, who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
In Doug’s own words: “My bags are packed, and my ticket to heaven is paid!” Praise the Lord!