Dec. 23, 2005 – Funeral services are set for Thursday for Douglas Eugene Canton, who died Monday, Dec.19, at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, Mass. Canton was 74.
Services will begin with a viewing and tributes at 10 a.m. at the Beeston Hill Wesleyan Holiness Church. The church service will be held at 11 a.m. Interment is at Kingshill Cemetery and will be followed by a gathering at 9A Church St., Christiansted.
Canton, who was born on St. Croix, is survived by his wife Pauline Edith of 54 years; children: Denise Canton-Blyden, Leone Ellington, David, Douglas Jr., Danny, Dinah, Robert, and Devin Canton; and grandchildren: Darrenn, David Jr., Danny II, Derek, Dexter, Lamar, Rodaysha, Shelif and Diara Canton; Danica, Daniella, and David Ellington. He is also survived by sisters: Inez Sewer and Roselyn Lang. Other survivors include relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
He served his country as a member of the US Marine Corp from 1951 to 1953. Upon returning to St. Croix, he worked as a carpenter until 1960 and later opened his own construction business. In 1973, he left the business to teach vocational education at the St. Croix Central High School. In 1986, he was elected to the 17th Legislature of the U. S. Virgin Islands and served for one term. He then returned to teaching. He enjoyed big game fishing, but his main interest and enjoyment came from educating and teaching vocational subjects to the youth. He returned as a schoolteacher in 1992, after 23 years of service with the government the Virgin Islands government. In later years, he fought a 20-year battle with Parkinson's disease.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to The American Red Cross, St. Croix Chapter.
All arrangements are by the James Funeral Home Inc.
See Former Sen. Douglas Canton Sr. Has Died for more details.