Douglas D. Blines Obituary (1957 - 2016)

Douglas D. Blines, 58, 119 Regency Drive, Bloomington, died peacefully at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center on Monday, January 18, after a brief illness. Cremation rites will be accorded at Carmody- Flynn Funeral Home. A private inurnment service will be held at a later date. Douglas (Doug) was born November 27, 1957 in Carrollton, IL, the son of Charles and Jeanne Blines. He was preceded in death by both parents. Doug was a devoted son, an only child who provided supportive care for both of his parents until their deaths. He is survived by aunts Mary A. Herr and Betty L. Sinnock; an uncle, Grant W. Storckman; cousins, Bruce B. Herr, David A. Herr, Thomas A. Herr, Sally J. Herr, Joel W. Storckman, and Steven D. Storckman and close friends. Doug graduated from Bloomington High School in 1975, attended Illinois State University, Normal and MacMurray College, Jacksonville. He graduated from MacMurray in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre; while a student, he studied theatre in London. Doug was employed with The Limelight (Chicago) and Owen Nursery and Florist (Bloomington); he spent the majority of his career as a private business owner specializing in Event Planning and Floral Design. Dougs stylish, original designs graced the homes of many local residents and his inventive elegance was showcased at events he managed around the region. Dougs affection for theatre and theatre design continued beyond his formal education as a volunteer in Community Players Theatre. Doug was also an art enthusiast and supporter of the Illinois State University Galleries and student artists. He established the Charles and Jeanne Blines Scholarship Award for the College of Fine Arts in honor of his parents. Dougs wit, intelligence and exceptional biographical memory will be long remembered by all who shared in his life. He could recount even the smallest details from his childhood with astounding accuracy. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dougs life at an open house on the evening of Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Jan Brandt Gallery, 1106 East Bell Street, Bloomington, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to a scholarship created by the Blines family for University Galleries at Illinois State University. The contributions can be mailed to Illinois State University Foundation, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL, 61790-8000 and noted as Doug Blines Memorial.