Robert (Bob) Eugene Douglass, Sr.
He was born in Bringhurst, IN on November 15, 1928 and died on March 23, 2016 at the age of 87 years 4 months and 8 days. Bob’s Parents were R. Raymond Douglass and Thelma E. (Apt) Douglass. He had one brother Jack D. Douglass (Barbara), deceased, and one sister, Anita M. Douglass Clegg (David) who lives in Williamsburg, VA.
Bob married EvaRose Firth of Reynolds, IN on July 8, 1955 and they celebrated their 60 year anniversary last July. They have three children, Robert E. Douglass, Jr. (Pamela) who resides in Lebanon, OR. June E. Douglass-Williams (Karen) who resides in Lake Stevens WA, and Michele E. Douglass who resides in Bothell, WA. They also have one grandson, Addae Douglass, two granddaughters, Christeen R. Douglass-Schmid and Alicia R. Douglass, two great-grandsons, Trenton and Evan Ray Schmid, all who reside in the Seattle, WA area.
Bob graduated from Flora, IN high school in 1946. He spent time in the Army during the Korean War after which he graduated from Purdue University in 1958 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He then worked for McDonald Aircraft Co. in St. Louis for 2 ½ years. From there he went to Seattle where he worked for the Boeing Company for 29 ½ years and earned a professional engineers license in WA. Robert and EvaRose retired to AZ and became permanent residents in 2006.
While at McDonald Aircraft he helped design the F-4 Jet Plane. Then while at Boeing he helped design the emergency escape slide on the 747 and hydraulic springs for the Minuteman Missiles as well as a few other accomplishments.
Robert is a 65 year member of the Indiana Masonic Lodge, American Legion Post #94 in Sun City West, and the West Valley Chapter of Korean War Veterans Association of AZ. He loved radio control airplanes and over the years belonged to several R/C clubs – currently a local club called Speed World. He loved building the R/C airplanes and putting his “touches” to the designs. He also enjoyed salmon and cod fishing, deer hunting, bowling, golf, skiing, boating, and camping.
Visitation will be held at 12:00 pm on April 1, 2016 at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351, followed by funeral service at 1:00 pm. He will be laid to rest at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City, AZ.
