Douglas K. "Doug" Earnhart, 64, of Elkhart, peacefully passed away to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at his home. He was born on February 28, 1959, in South Bend, IN to Frederick and Mary (Warner) Earnhart.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Linda "Dusty" Earnhart; mother, Mary Earnhart; stepsons, Tony (Dawn) Smith, Mike (Krista) Smith, Jeff (Shelby) Smith; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; brothers, David (Kara) Earnhart and Christopher (Tag) Earnhart; sister, Tamara Weidner; and faithful canine companion, Charlie Brown. He is preceded in death by his father, Frederick Earnhart.

Cremation was chosen and a celebration of life visitation will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart.

Doug married the love of his life, Dusty Smith, on September 2, 1979, whom he shared the love of playing music with and spending his life beside.

Doug was a kind, witty, and steadfast man of many talents who loved to help others as often as he could. He was a handyman who owned his own businesses, E&S Services and Rent A Husband.  The latter business focused on helping widows and single mothers around the house as a handyman.

Doug could play just about any stringed instrument that was given to him and once he learned a song, he never needed sheet music. He would play from the heart.  Doug often composed original music and even wrote a waltz for his wife called Reminiscing Waltz.  His instrument of choice was the mountain dulcimer.

Doug and Dusty started two music groups together.  "Kindred Harts", comprised of him and his wife, would play at festivals, nursing homes, and farmers markets.  They often sat out on their front porch to play their instruments and singing to the delight of neighbors and those passing by.

The second group started out as an opportunity to teach others to play the mountain dulcimer.  They were joined not only by other dulcimer players, but by people who played other types of instruments and enjoyed folk music.  This group also enjoyed playing in public together whenever they could.

For many years Doug and Dusty taught Ballroom, Jazz, and Square-dancing classes which gave him the freedom to enjoy all kinds of music with his loving wife by his side.

To many young children in his neighborhood, he was known as "Grandpa" because of his kind and caring nature. He loved children and enjoyed helping anyone in need. He often mowed or plowed for his neighbors focusing on the elderly or those needing assistance.  Doug was very skilled in woodworking and would not shy away from harder projects that involved fixing up a home or making a specialty bookcase for the church library.

In his spare time, he enjoyed playing his dulcimer, fishing, camping, and being outdoors anytime he had the chance. He loved gardening and spending time with his adopted niece, Tyannya, and her son, Hunter.  With his talented "know how" skills, he loved to tinker with small engines and put together remote-controlled airplanes and model cars. Doug loved to watch anything Sci-Fi from Star Gate to Star Trek. One of his favorite places to go with his wife, Dusty, was the Indiana Dunes. He was also a fantastic baker who made the best banana bread around.

Doug will be dearly missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and all the lives he has touched over the years.