Douglass Lyal Cole was born on July 23, 1952 in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana. He was the first of four children born to Duane Lyal Cole and Florence Mae Fitzgerald. His siblings are: Keith Duane, Bret Alan, and Colleen Mae.

Douglass was misnamed by the nurse at the hospital. His first name was only supposed to include one “s” at the end. His middle name, Lyal, was given from his father Duane.

Douglass has two children with Diane: Kathleen Mae and Jessica Marie. He has one child with Karen: Noah Lyal.

Douglass grew up in multiple places around northwestern Indiana and also central Michigan. He met his first wife, Diane Marie Dreffs, at Yankee’s Grocery where they both worked. Doug and Diane were married on March 20, 1971 at Saint Anthony’s Church in Saginaw, Michigan. They divorced in 1988.

Douglass has been quoted as saying the best three days of his life were the birth days of his three children. He has always been very proud of them, and would do anything for their happiness.

Douglass was confirmed into the Lutheran faith in mid-2001. He and Karen Lynell Zimmer were married on September 8, 2001 in a large ceremony in Reese, Michigan at their church. On November 18, 2003 they welcomed their first son, Noah Lyal, into the world. The family resides in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Douglass earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix Online in early 2007. He worked for more than 30 years as a supervisor and engineer at General Motors and Delphi Corporation in Saginaw, until retiring on June 1, 2007. He is now working on his MBA from University of Phoenix.

Douglass enjoys spending time with Karen, his three children, and three grandchildren. He likes going for walks, learning about new technology, computers, family history, fine art, traveling around the country, and reading. He is currently writing a book about his life and his views of the world.