Douglas Andrew Johns was born on November 26, 1963, in Detroit and died on April 1, 2025, in Free Soil, Michigan. At the time of his death, he was quite ill with stage IV colon cancer, diagnosed a year earlier, and was in rapidly declining health.

Doug is survived by his mother, Catherine (Henderson) Johns, and brother, Paul Johns. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Johns.

Doug attended Schoolcraft Elementary School in Waterford Township, Michigan and Mason County Central Middle and High Schools in Scottville Michigan, graduating in 1981. He earned an Associate's Degree in Machine Tool Technology from West Shore Community College in Scottville and completed all the work except for a couple of classes toward a Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology with a certificate in Quality Technology from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan.

In his childhood, Doug enjoyed sports and family camping trips. He worked for his father in the family store from ages 10-15 and developed a strong interest in motorcycles and motocross racing, saving his earnings to buy his first motocross bike. In high school, he wrestled for his final three years and also played cornet in band. He also enjoyed playing chess. He was a friendly, jovial, likeable young man.

After high school, Doug's love of motorcycles spurred an interest in manufacturing. He bussed tables and flipped burgers to pay his way to earn his associate's degree from West Shore.

After working as a machinist for three companies in Ludington, Michigan, Doug moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to gain more job experience in manufacturing and worked toward a bachelor's degree from Ferris State. He worked at many machine shops in Grand Rapids while working on his degree.

Manufacturing was in decline in the United States, and Doug found he could not make the money he wanted as a non-union employee, nor could he find a job as an entry-level manufacturing engineer.

While still employed, Doug started his own business, Earth Surfer Products, in his garage. He initially developed a manifold (connector) between the engine and exhaust pipe for Go-Ped scooters which improved outward flow of exhaust gases and markedly increased the power of the motor. After four years of being employed full-time while growing his business, he was able to quit his "day job" and concentrate on his business full-time. During this time he also started modifying the engines used in racing scooters and large-scale remote-controlled model cars and boats by machining better ports in the cylinders, increasing the motor's power. He developed an international reputation for winning races and high quality. He enjoyed a 20-year business partnership with Dave Ricks of DDM Racing in Draper, Utah (later Bellingham, Washington) where Dave shipped engines to Doug and Doug modified them and shipped them back.

Doug's funeral will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Oak Grove Funeral Home at 309 W. Parkdale Avenue in Manistee. There will be a visitation an hour prior to the service and a reception after.

Memorial gifts may be made in Doug's name to the American Cancer Society, Active Minds, or a charity of your choice.

Please visit www.oakgrovefh.com to share a photo, memory, or condolences with Doug's family. Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee is honored to assist the family during this difficult time.