On May 4, 2020, Doug Cain, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at the age of 71.
Doug was born in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland where he was adopted by Art and Dee Cain and raised in Bossier City with his brothers, Dan and Clint Cain. Doug received his undergraduate degree from Centenary College in Shreveport and his master’s degree in theology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. On June 25, 1977, he married Martie Rannenberg. They raised two sons, Jed and Brian, and a daughter, Mary Elizabeth.
Doug was a United Methodist minister in the Louisiana Conference for over 40 years. He pastored churches in DeRidder, Haughton, New Orleans, Shreveport, Natchitoches, Sulphur, and Coushatta in addition to serving as a District Superintendent.
Doug was a faithful servant of a loving and compassionate God. He believed that grace trumped sin and God’s eternal love provided a path forward for all of us. During his preaching prime, as they say in baseball, Doug “threw 95 mph and could paint the corners,” while somehow still getting a hungry congregation out by noon. He baptized crying babies, soothed nervous brides and grooms, helped children bury parents, and parents bury children.
Doug loved his wife and kids the way that he believed God loved each of us – unconditionally – during the best of times and the worst of times. Known affectionately as “Pop” to his granddaughter, Emerson, and four grandsons, Jake, London, Moss, and Fisher, he was a master storyteller and a professional driveway hoops H-O-R-S-E player.
Not surprising to those that appreciated Doug’s quirky wit and humor, his last words were reportedly jokes with the ICU nurses caring for him at the hospital. But his final joke may have come with the very unique date of his death – May 4, 2020 – also known as May The Fourth Be With You Day – the unofficial holiday honoring the Star Wars franchise.
Doug loved the theology of Star Wars. It was the fodder of many a sermon. He introduced his kids to Star Wars in the 1980’s and could be seen 30 something years later standing in line at the movie theater with his grandkids on the opening night of the latest Star Wars movie.
In typical Doug Cain fashion, with his signature wit and humor, his final benediction to all those he left behind was simply and profoundly – MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.
So sad. The entire Cain family was a highlight of our years in Natchitoches. Thanks for the memories and much love from the Elkins- Robbins family. xo
Sorry to learn of Bro Cain’s death. Wonder man of God. Love to all the family!
Marti, even though we haven’t seen each other in years, I understand the grief of losing a husband. I’ll carry you and your family in my heart.
Brenda
Praying for your family and all who loved Doug. Even though we did not share the deep connection with Doug that many in the Louisiana Conference has, he was always gracious to us. He will be missed, but we know the legacy he leaves behind and the example he set for so many of us will be a part of who we are for the rest of our lives.
Martie, I was saddened to learn of Doug’s death. You two are so special. What a great love you shared. Our prayers are with you as you grieve and we also join with you in thanking God for the gift and ministry of Doug. Love and peace be yours.
Dear Martie and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was a special man and minister. His sermons always gave us something to think about. Doug officiated at Ryan and Lisa’s wedding. He invited me to get involved in the Blue Jean Band, an experience I treasured for five years. Doug got to the heart of things, the reason why we’re here. I know your family will find comfort in each other now. Take care.
Pat Gresham
We thoroughly enjoyed Doug Cain and his family during his time with us at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches – so sad for us, but happy for him to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ! Prayers for the Cain family from Texas.
Martie, I was so sorry to hear this news a few minutes ago. I pray God’s blessings for you and your children, extended family, and Doug’s many friends as you work through your grief. But I also celebrate the great joy, love and peace Doug must be enjoying now. Doug married Robert and me in 1992 at Lakeview. Robert had been in another denomination, and it was my great joy while we were dating to introduce him to Methodism with Doug as our minister. Robert was so impressed with, and surprised by, Doug and it always gave me a chuckle. We were just discussing how Doug could come come with the exact words needed in any situation it seemed to make people feel comfortable. He was one-of-a-kind in the best way possible. I hope that all of you will be comforted by your many, many happy memories of a remarkable man.
Doug was my youth pastor & we live him very much. He will be missed by all he came in touch with.
Prayers for your family and “ May God’s force be with you.”
My heart is saddened with Doug’s passing, but my soul rejoices cause he lives with his Lord.
He once admonished me for using a name tag of a methodist minister to get into the movies.
Rev. Ray Seibold
Dear Marty,
I hope you know what a special place you hold in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love,
Margie Bell
Since 1968 when I was a snot nosed freshman in college Doug was special. Balanced and always well thought in his advice. I was lucky to know a very special man and fraternity brother. May angels bless and take care of all.
So very, very sorry! Love and prayers to you and your sweet children, Martie! We loved Doug and his love for Christ so very much! Can’t believe he’s gone but know he’s with our Father! Loved it when he sent me an email saying, “The Lord has need of you!” What a wonderful life for Christ!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️
Martie – please know that Doug made a special stop at the house in my mom’s time of need several years ago and at age 90, she was talking about it like it was yesterday. He was a dear man and my most favorite preacher. He will truly be missed by all. We love you and please know that God has his arms wrapped around you and all your kids keeping you safe and warm. Our thoughts are with you. Love all the VanderKuy’s.
Some of my most wonderful memories at Lakeview UMC in Shreveport were those when Doug and Marty were there with their young family! I always loved Doug’s messages and Marty’s beautiful solos🥰
So sad to say good-bye for now. Love and peace to Marty and the family at this time💙
This is sad news. I will miss this man dearly because he was responsible for me returning to the church to become an active member. His vision for the church was profound! He wanted young people and those who preferred a contemporary service to have a place to worship so we started the Blue Jean Service in the gym some fifteen years ago. This was an effort that required dedication as we set up and took down the stage and chairs before and after the service. Nolton Causey and others were part of that first crew. What resulted was Crossroads as we needed a permanent location for the contemporary service. Doug also helped me through my cancer issues years ago. I will miss him dearly. Prayers to his family!!!
Doug Cain was the reason I became an active member in the church. He wanted to involve young people and others who enjoyed a contemporary service so we started the Blue Jean Service some 15 years ago. It was in the gym and took much work since the stage and chairs had to be put up and taken down for each service. Nolton Causey and others were the first ushers to assist. What resulted from this man’s efforts is Crossroads. Why? The service became so popular that we needed a permanent location. I will miss this man dearly as he helped me with my cancer issue many years ago. Love and prayers to his family!
Doug was an amazing man….kind, funny, and he loved God with all his heart. Although I have not seen Doug in years, he remains one of my favorite humans to walk this earth. Is is at home and at rest, at last. He will be missed by many!
So very sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and God’s presence for all of you.
Listen, listen…I remember Doug well from St. Andrew in New Orleans. He really liked people, his sermons really hit you where you were and his stories were captivating. Doug was very special. I’m glad to have called him my pastor and he’ll always live in my memory. Praying for Martie and the family.
Dan, I’m so sorry for your loss of your brother. There is No love like sibling love. My prayers are with you and your family
Precious in the eyes of the Lord! Made an indelible mark on my life when I needed compassion the most! One day he just showed up at my office and took me to lunch. I shall never forget his words to me to help me through my dilemma. And he paid for lunch. God bless him, his family and to all of us who cherish his memory.
Jed, we are so sorry to hear this. Sending much love and deep condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Sincerely,
The Gislesons
Mark and I were married by Doug in 1987 at Lakeview United Methodist. Of all the pastors I’ve experienced, his sermons always touched me in a special way. He was an amazing man and will be so missed. Vicki Rice Waniewski
So sorry for your loss! He was a special man!
We have lost a truly good man with Doug Cain’s passing. He will long be remembered by all of us who knew and loved him.
💜💔
Martie, so sorry to hear about Doug. He was a special person a.nd I know he will be missed.
Our hearts are full of you and yours, Martie…
Sending love and prayers to the family – the Brunsons
I told my family last night that it was appropriate for Doug to pass on “May the Fourth Be With You” day. Very well written obituary! Love and hugs to each family member. What blessed people you are to be this man’s family!