Clinton C. Douglass Jr.

Clinton C. Douglass 1925 - 2010 Clinton C. Douglass passed away July 26, 2010 of natural causes. He was born May 25, 1925 and graduated in 1943 from Kern County Union High School. Graduating a semester early, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a pilot during WWII thus becoming part of this countries "Greatest Generation". There are a very select few distinguished men and women who can claim this honor for their country. Clint served his country flying the C-46 and C-47 aircraft, dropping paratroopers and cargo in the European operation during the war. In 1946, Clint married the love of his life, Betty Jane Overholt to whom he was married for 56 years. Their marriage produced four children, Marsha Clark of Kenmore, WA, Diane Hook, Darrell Douglass, and Debbie Douglass-Rutherford, all of Bakersfield. They had 17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Clint and Betty loved music and dancing. The right song could put an immediate end to a spat as they would both lose themselves in the music. They both shared a love of traveling and they were blessed to travel the world. To those that knew Clint, he was a man of integrity. His word was always kept. He was dependable, reliable and always on-time. He had been an active member of the Kern Kiwanis Club with 55 years of perfect attendance. He was a supporter of his club as well as his community. He was very sociable and had many wonderful friends and business associates. Several years after the war was over, Clint designed and manufactured truck utility truck bodies. His company, which is now known as Douglass Truck Bodies, was established. He had a new product that he marketed to businesses, contractors, utility and oil companies. He had to show them that his truck bodies would be a useful tool in their work and add to their total production. To this day, thousands have been produced and sold from here in Bakersfield. He obtained patents on his designs here in the U.S. as well as in Canada, Mexico and Japan. Many people have worked for him over the years. He remained active in business until back surgery in December of 2007 forced him to retire. Flying was Clint's true passion in life (after his wife!). He continued flying after the war and had to give it up upon turning 80. He had a Cessna 340 and besides many trips to call on potential new customers, he and many of his friends enjoyed flying here or there for lunch. Clint was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents, Clinton C. and Zelma F. Douglass; and his sister, Mary Francis Stockton. Many will miss him! Many thanks to the amazing staff at Pacifica Senior Living (Memory Care) and Optimal Hospice for their loving care and dedication. A Chapel service will be held Saturday, July 31st, 11:00 a.m., at Hillcrest Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Kern Kiwanis Foundation. P.O. Box 2532, Bakersfield, CA 93303.