SFC (Ret.) F. Douglas Handy, 82, of Belton, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 14, 2026, surrounded by his family. Mr. Handy was born on April 26, 1943, in Yellow Rock, Kentucky, to Harlan and Lillie Reece-Handy. He was raised on the family farm along the Kentucky River in Lee County.
In 1962, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country for 22 years. His distinguished military career included two and a half years in Vietnam with the Americal Division. Throughout his service, he earned numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. In 1992, he was further recognized for his service when he was commissioned into the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
Following his military career, Mr. Handy worked in security for American Desk Manufacturing and owned and operated DDR Auto Salvage for nearly 30 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, his parents, and all five of his siblings. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Desiree (Jim) Malburg of Fort Worth, Texas; stepdaughter, Stephanie (Glenn) Frost of Maine; granddaughter, Jamie Lynn (Kassidy) Townsend of Hamilton, Texas; grandsons, Anthony (Kim) Malburg and Brian Malburg of Belton, Texas; seven great-grandchildren; as well as cousins, many
nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A visitation was held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Hewett-Arney Funeral Home in Temple, Texas, with a funeral service beginning at noon. Interment with full military honors followed at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple is entrusted with these arrangements.
