LeRoy Douglas

Born August 11, 1922 in Waynesville to George Samuel and Fronnie Maude (Powers) Douglas, he married Dorothy Irving on June 6, 1947 at First Baptist Church in Creve Coeur.  She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Rebecca “Becky” (David) Traver of Creve Coeur; one son, Kevin (Glenda) Douglas of Sterling, Colorado; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren and one brother, Newt Douglas of Creve Coeur.  He also leaves several step grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; ten brother and sisters.

After high school he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps before joining the Marine Corps, where he served in the 1st Tank Battalion, First Marine division.  He was a World War II veteran and was a recipient of the Purple Heart and several battle stars.He was employed by Caterpillar, Inc. for 38 years, retiring November 1st, 1980 as a unit adjuster on D9 Bulldozers.

Mr. Douglas had been a Sunday school teacher and board member at the First Baptist Church and the Wesleyan Church, both in Creve Coeur.  He later transferred his membership to the First Missionary Church in North Pekin, where he was a trustee on the church board.  He also served First Missionary as an usher and on several committees.

Mr. Douglas was a former little league coach in Creve Coeur for several years.  He also played baseball for East Peoria Community High School and later played on church ball teams.  He also was proud to have been a Golden Glove Boxer at one time.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He also enjoyed gardening.  He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur.  The Rev. Tony Darr will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Marines and the Tazewell Military Rites Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Missionary Church, 124 Lincoln Boulevard, North Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com