Douglas Dean Behrens

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Douglas D. Behrens, 61, passed away unexpectedly after a sudden illness.

Doug is survived by his son, Avery Melick Behrens; his daughter, Claudia Marie (William) Miles; their mother, Kelley Ann (Parks) Behrens; and his beloved granddaughter, Maxine Marie Miles. He is also survived by his lifelong friends, Todd Hanson and Steve Hayes; his sister, Joan Behrens; niece Anne Denison and her husband Ross; niece Mindy Olson; and nephew Landon. He is further survived by cousins Brian and Heather Whitmer; Preston and Marin Whitmer; and Darin, Ashley, and Masin Whitmer.

Affectionately known as "Dougie" by his mother, Doug was born in Fremont, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Ann (Whitmer) Behrens.

Doug graduated from Fremont Senior High School, Class of 1983, and from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1987 with a degree in Franchising. He was a proud member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and a lifelong Husker fan. Some of his favorite memories were attending Nebraska football games with his grandfather, Harold "Hootie" Whitmer, a devoted season ticket holder.

Doug's career began with TCBY Yogurt, which brought him to Akron, Ohio, and the Timber Top Apartments. A TCBY franchisee introduced him to the world of prescription benefit management, where Doug's entrepreneurial spirit took hold. He went on to own his own company and prescription mail-order service, later expanding into property management with more than 85 residential homes and even a car dealership.

Doug loved sports-not just the games, but the entire experience: great seats, concession stand food, and always leaving with new team merchandise. His love for the Cleveland Cavaliers began at the Richfield Coliseum in the late 1980s and early 1990s, watching players like Brad Daugherty, Craig Ehlo, Mark Price, Ron Harper, Hot Rod Williams, and Larry Nance Sr. For his 40th birthday, Doug fulfilled a dream by participating in an NBA weekend, practicing and playing alongside several of these players-an unforgettable experience for any sports fan.

Much of Doug's happiest time was spent attending sporting events with his children, Avery and Claudia-from Nebraska football and Browns games to Cavaliers games, University of Akron basketball under Coach Keith Dambrot, and even the Masters Tournament.

Doug also loved coaching. He coached St. Hilary CYO basketball alongside other dads when Avery and Claudia played. His passion for the game with Avery led him to sponsor and coach the NETS AAU basketball team. Countless practices, tournaments, travel, and post-practice pizza at Springside Racquet Club created lifelong friendships and cherished memories.

Doug will be remembered for his goofy smile when telling a joke, his ever-present visor, and his familiar routine of drinking coffee, reading the paper, and riding the bike at Springside.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Neuro Intensive Care team at Akron General Hospital, Dr. Molly Scantling, and the palliative care and hospice teams for their compassion and care.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at St. Hilary Church, 2750 W. Market Street, Fairlawn, Ohio. The family will receive visitors immediately following the service from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Town Tavern, 125 Montrose West Avenue, Copley, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
The Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron, Ohio 44333 ' 330-665-1455
St. Hilary Parish Foundation & St. Hilary CYO Athletics: www.sthilaryfoundation.org