Lloyd Douglas Legg, known as “Doug,” to family and friends, 73, of Gerlaw, IL, passed away at 10:00 am Saturday, January 14th, 2023, at his home, surrounded by family and friends.
He was born May 10th, 1949, in Pasadena, CA, to Gaylord and Helen (Rice) Legg.
After Doug’s birth, Gaylord and Helen moved the family to Fullerton, CA, where Doug, his two sisters and one brother grew up and went to school. During Doug’s time in Fullerton, he met Linda (Anderson) Costner in the summer of 1964. They dated for 3 years, and according to Doug, it took him a long time to work up the courage to kiss her. They both graduated from Buena Park High School in 1968. Life took Doug and Linda in separate directions after high school, and they did their best to stay in touch.
In 1969 Doug joined the United States Marine Corps and served three tours in Vietnam, during which he achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. On May 16th, 1968, when Doug’s platoon became heavily engaged with a large enemy force, Doug skillfully maneuvered his fire team to an advantageous position and directed a heavy volume of accurate fire against the attackers. This eventuality led the attackers to disengage and retreat. Doug was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his actions. Doug received an Honorable Discharge for his service in the Marines.
After the war, Doug remained in Fullerton where he married Marilyn Prock, and they both raised two boys, Lonnie and Lloyd. Doug enjoyed watching his boys play youth sports, Lonnie with soccer and baseball for Lloyd. Doug even volunteered to be an assistant baseball coach one season. Doug spent many years supporting Buena Park High School Boosters as part of the Bingo Committee. Doug and Marilyn divorced in the early ‘90’s.
Doug worked as a machinist and inspector of aerospace parts for McDonnell Douglas, C&C Industries, and Sun Eight before retiring.
After retirement, and with the help of social media, Doug reunited with Linda (Anderson) Costner. Linda shared that she had recently been widowed. Doug never had remarried. They shared long phone conversations together lasting hours at times. Through these conversations, their relationship from years ago began to rekindle. Doug decided to take a leap of faith and travel to Gerlaw, IL to reunite with Linda in the summer of 2008. Doug left the Fullerton train station on a Thursday morning and on Saturday he had called his sons to notify them of his permanent address in Gerlaw.
Doug became a member of the Monmouth American Legion Post 136. He enjoyed photography and traveling in his RV with Linda and family. Doug and Linda’s love story continued for many years in Gerlaw. Doug was heartbroken on March 23, 2022 when Linda passed away. Doug remained in Gerlaw after Linda’s passing and spent as much time as possible with family. Doug had a picture of Linda on his nightstand and would always say “goodnight beautiful” prior to going to bed. On January 14th, their love was reunited for eternity.
He is survived by his sons: Lonnie (Tina) Legg and Lloyd V. (Sarah) Legg of Buena Park, CA; 3 grandchildren John, Emily, and Matthew Legg of Buena Park; 2 great-grandsons; sister Cathy Hendricks of Garden Grove, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, his significant other, Linda Costner; his sister Mary Margaret Davis, and brother, Robert Bradford Legg.
Cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life with military honors will be 1:00 pm, Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. A private family burial at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA, will take place at a later date. Memorials may be given to the American Lung Association and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
