Douglas “Buddy” Rasmussen, 84, died at home on April 16, 2025, in Calico Rock, Arkansas. Originally from Houston, Texas, Buddy served as an E-3 fire chief in the U.S. Air Force while stationed in Iwo Jima. Discharged from the military for being gay, Buddy vowed never to work anywhere he couldn’t be open about his orientation. While working at the Caverns on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, he met Phil Esteve, who owned a bar on Iberville called the Up Stairs Lounge. Buddy was soon manager at the Up Stairs and was on duty the night of June 24, 1973, when an arsonist set the bar on fire. He led 25 patrons out a back exit to safety. In 1983, Buddy reigned as Queen of the gay Mardi Gras krewe Amon Ra. Buddy is survived by his partner of 51 years, Bill Duncan.
Obituary submitted by Johnny Townsend, author of Inferno in the French Quarter
