Gary Lee Douglas

A typical “Okie”, Gary loved the slow-paced life of Oklahoma and spending time with his family. Playing games with his little Sister, working in the family drug/soda store with his parents, sitting on the porch with his Stepdad, gardening with his Grandmother, and reading from the Bible with his Granddad.

He graduated from Seminole High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Testing high in Protective instincts, he was assigned to assist and protect the Admiral on a US Naval Aircraft carrier for the entirety of his four-year commitment. While on leave from the ship he met the love of his life, Gloria Snow. To his surprise, she was only 16 and still in high school. They continued to date when he was in port and kept in constant communication. He even left her his car to drive to seal the deal. By the time Gloria graduated in 1963, Gary had finished his four-year commitment with the USMC, had enrolled and graduated from the Los Angeles Police Academy, and was on his way to a rewarding career with the LAPD. They were married that same year. September of 1963.

Two children came soon after. Danny 1965 and Dee-Anna 1967. Family was everything to Gary. He worked hard to make sure they never wanted for anything, including his love and attention. Always putting them first, he moved the family from Los Angeles to Hemet, California in 1977 so they could be closer to family. This was a great show of love and sacrifice because it was a 2 hour commute each way to work every day. He never complained. He just loved his family.

In 2003, after losing his son Danny and his wife Gloria, Gary moved to be closer to his daughter Dee-Anna and her family. During this time, he would often travel back to Oklahoma to spend time with his sister Christine. It was during one of these visits in 2004 that he was introduced to Francis Frost. They had an immediate connection, a fairly short courtship, and were married in January 2005. Together they built a life in Corvallis, Oregon where they made friends and served in church callings. They enjoyed long RV trips and spending time with family near and far. Always giving their all to each other and family.

Throughout his life Gary enjoyed camping, hunting, riding motorcycles, shooting, and fishing. This was the basis for a lot of fun family camp outs. After retirement Gary developed a love for socializing. He had a way of making friends everywhere he went and a real gift for brightening someone’s day with his cheerful conversation.

He is survived by his loving wife Francis Douglas, daughter Dee-Anna Pennington, son-in-law Don Pennington, daughter-in-law Stacey Douglas, 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and many extended family members. We will miss his love and attention. His advice, quirky jokes, phone calls, and hugs. We will hold all that he was close to our hearts and remember that “Families are Forever”.