Joe Douglas Kotar

Joe Douglas “Doug” Kotar, age 58, a resident of Toledo Bend, Many, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home, on March 23, 2023, from a brave and hard fought fight with brain cancer. 

Doug was born in Ogden, Utah and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Engineering Technology in 1986 as a third generation Louisiana Tech University graduate, where he met the love of his life and was soon wed to Margaret Ann. He went on to have a successful 28 year career in the natural gas pipeline industry, retiring from Enterprise Products as their Louisiana branch pipeline manager.

Doug was a lifelong lover of music and the outdoors.  His favorite instrument was the drums, which he played throughout his life, including in several bands. Later in life, his love of instruments grew as he taught himself to play guitar and piano, and became a self-proclaimed DJ. One of Doug’s favorite outdoor past times was fishing, from the saltwater marshes of Dulac to the shadowy coves of Toledo Bend, where he ultimately settled for retired life.

Later on in life he joyously shared these loves with his family and friends, when God blessed him with 17 more years of life after receiving a heart transplant. He did not take this second gift of life for granted, and took full advantage. He filled those years attending many concerts and music festivals, as well as volunteering as DJ for weddings, Mardi Gras parades, and many parties. He spent time traveling and going on family vacations. He also loved to have friends and family visit him both at the fishing camp and at The Bend. A good time was had by all when he was around. Once he crossed your path, he was unforgettable. He was a good and loving husband, father, and friend. His absence will be felt by many.

Doug is survived by his wife Margaret Ann Kotar, children Lauren Kotar Hinojosa (Jeffrey) and Christopher David Kotar (Hillari), grandchildren Jaxon Paul Kotar and Harrison Briar Kotar, sister Deborah Kotar, brother Michael Kotar (Leah), brothers-in-law Eddie Guidry and Kirk Davis, nieces and nephews Brian Whitaker, Jason Guidry, Khira Guidry, Kirk Guidry, Adam Kotar, Molly Kotar, and Mother-in-law Margaret Giovengo.

He was preceded in death by his father David Lee Kotar and mother Vaundeleath Jackson Kotar, as well as his sister Karen Kotar Guidry and niece Robbie Lynn Whitaker.

Visitation will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 12:30p.m. until services at 2:30pm. Burial will follow at Resthaven Garden of Memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Center for Advanced Heart Failure at Memorial Hermann online at www.memorialhermann.org/donate, by mail with a printed donation form to 929 Gessner, Suite 2650, Houston, TX 77024, or
by phone at (713) 242-4400.  Please note CAHF on the check or in the comments section

The family of Joe Douglas wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Biswajit Kar and Jessica Borden at Memorial Hermann Center for Advanced Heart Failure. Dr. Sigmund Hsu, Dr. Mark Amsbaugh, Flor, Cornelius, Lashaunda, Cindy, and all the many others at Memorial Herman and UT Health Neurosciences, as well as the nCompass/Optune team. His care team Orangie, Jerrika, Meka, Vot and neighbor/friends Beav and Caliene who took care and brought comfort to him, Margaret Ann, and his children at the end of his hard fought journey. Also, all the doctors, nurses, and staff that have helped along his incredible life journey.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.