Douglas K. Agbetsiafa

Dr. Douglas K. Agbetsiafa departed this life peacefully on Monday, July 31, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana.  He was born on May 24, 1942 in Anloga, Ghana to the union of Benjamin Agbetsiafa and Rebecca Agbakpe who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Julia Agbetsiafa; mother-in-law, Verline Jackson; and stepson, Jeremy Foulks. 

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 29 years, Patricia (Williams) Agbetsiafa; loving brothers William Agbetsiafa, Symon Agbetsiafa and John Agbetsiafa; loving sisters Helen Agbetsiafa, Gladys Agbetsiafa, Mary Agbetsiafa, Lucky Agbetsiafa, Charity Agbetsiafa, Elizabeth Tanlongo and Emma Agbetsiafa; and a host of dear aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Douglas received a PhD in Economics from the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, an Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada, and both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Economics from the University of Ghana, Ghana.  He was a Bank of Ghana and an International Development Agency Scholar.  His research interest included international finance, international trade and development, financial intermediation, and teaching pedagogy.

Douglas enjoyed his retirement, and he was a former Professor and Chair of Economics at Indiana University South Bend.  Teaching was his passion, and he positively touched the lives of many students. He was well known for his impactful economic briefings on local, regional, state, national, and international levels.  Douglas was the recipient of many accolades and awards for his excellence in teaching, research, and service, and served in many leadership roles in professional business and economics organizations and associations.   He received recognition in Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in the World.  He was most proud of his invitation to make a presentation at Oxford University, Oxford, England.

Douglas was an avid reader, competitive racquetball player, world traveler, and loyal Notre Dame fan.  He was very proud of his Ghanaian heritage and education that established a strong foundation for his life.  He was no doubt a wonderful son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, husband, father, teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend to many.    Douglas will be sorely missed.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 7, 2017, with visitation one hour before the service at Cobb Funeral Home, 3525 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614.

Contributions in memory of Dr. Douglas K. Agbetsiafa may be made to Greater Holy Temple  Church of God in Christ, 710 Napoleon Blvd., South Bend, IN 46617 or to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

The Agbetsiafa family wish to thank Cobb Funeral Home for their special care and professionalism in making funeral arrangements.

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