Though his hair has fallen out because of his recent chemotherapy treatment, Doug Diggle’s smile gleams just as it did more than 25 years ago when he began working at Old Town Liquors.

Diggle’s dining room has become his bedroom, as he lacks the strength to climb the stairs. The transformed room, the bandanna covering his head and the prescription bottles resting on a nearby table are constant reminders of his ever present battle with cancer.

Diggle, manager of Old Town Liquors, 514 S. Illinois Ave., sought medical care for shortness of breath on Feb. 25. He was diagnosed with lung cancer the following Monday.

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It was overwhelming, the 1971 SIUC alumnus said. It was like, who hit me with a 2-by-4?

The day after the diagnosis, Diggle started radiation treatment and began chemotherapy the next day.

Radiation therapy either stops a tumor from spreading or kills the tumor by targeting the specific area where the tumor is located. Chemotherapy, usually used in conjunction with radiation, is used to kill the cancer cells traveling through the bloodstream. Both treatments can be grueling for cancer patients.

After losing about 40 pounds as well as his long hair and beard Diggle remains in good spirits.

I’ve learned that you can’t get too serious, he said. You have to maintain a sense of humor. You can laugh or cry, and I personally prefer to laugh.

Holding true to his word, Diggle laughed with friends on Sunday at a party in his honor at Murphy’s Bar and Grill, 501 E. Walnut St.

The party, themed Happy Doug Diggle Day, allowed 150 people to come out and support the liquor store manager and Carbondale celebrity. Humorous Old Town Liquors commercials featuring Diggle caped and flying through the air to save beerless students made him a local superhero.

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Area residents, bar owners, friends and relatives all attended the gathering to celebrate Diggle’s life and accomplishments and to express gratitude for his kindness over the years. Many people, including local band members and Murphy’s Bar and Grill employees, show their support for Diggle by volunteering their services at the gala.

Murphy’s owner Suzanne Immen helped organize Happy Doug Diggle Day festivities, and said the effort became a day for no worries for all involved.

All of the people volunteering including the bartenders, waitresses and musicians are doing it for Doug, she said. [Doug] is such a good guy and he has given selflessly for so many years.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and serving as the SIUC student body president while enrolled in graduate school, Diggle began working at Old Town Liquors since its establishment in January, 1977. He has since become a well-known face in Carbondale business.

Kevin Graham, executive producer of Noteworthy Studio, 705 W. Main St., attended the party to thank Diggle for the support he provided to launch his business.

When I first started the studio, we did compilations of local bands, and Doug was one of the first sponsors, he said. That was five or six years ago, and he’s been sponsoring us ever since.

Diggle arrived at the party just an hour and a half after his release from the hospital. Overwhelmed and enthused, Diggle shook hands with all who attended as he expressed his gratitude.

I want to tell everyone thanks for a great party, he said. It was one of the best things anyone could do.

If someone knows anyone in my position, they should do something good for them like people did for me.

For now, Diggle sits at home under the care of his wife, Pat. He anxiously awaits word from his doctors that will allow him to return to his wines, his people and his home-brews.

As much as he misses Carbondale, many can agree that Carbondale misses him. Friend and ex-neighbor Steve Mitchell may have put those emotions into words best at Sunday’s party:Doug Diggle is a friend to Carbondale