Douglas Howard Gubbs

Douglas Howard Gubbs passed away at 71-years-of age on February 16, 2011. He was born November 27, 1939 in Highlands, Texas to the late Samuel and Ruby Gubbs. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Earl Gubbs; his brothers, David and Arthur Gubbs; and his sister, Juanita Hinton. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret “Peggy” Helena Gubbs; son, Howard Douglas Gubbs and wife, Veronica; daughter, Sue Ellen Jevning and husband, Sean; daughter, Sally Lynn Gubbs; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Gubbs and sister, Rosina Jensen.

Douglas proudly served in the U.S. Navy from March 1957 through June 1979, and received his commission in 1969 upon graduation upon from the University of Texas at Austin. He served on more than ten submarines during his 22-year career and as the Navigation Officer on his final tour aboard the USS Lafayette SSBN-616. Following his retirement from active duty, he continued to serve the naval forces as a torpedo research scientist, specializing in submarine weapons, until March 2010 and was responsible for the development of the Mark48 ADCAP torpedo program. Douglas was recognized for than 50 years of service to the Navy by receiving both the Meritorious Public Service Medal and the Superior Public Service Medal and personal awards conferred during his military career.

Douglas was a devoted husband, caring father, and active church leader and Sunday school teacher at Groton Heights Baptist Church whose support and guidance provided inspiration for those who knew and were touched by him. He and Peggy were physically apart from each other at times, yet they were always inseparable in spirit, focus and devotion. They were longtime members of Groton Heights Baptist Church in Groton, Connecticut and joined the membership of the First Baptist Church of Pflugerville after their move to Texas.

The family will hold memorial services at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Huffman, 35503 FM 2100, Huffman, Texas. Memorial services are planned at Groton Heights Baptist Church at a time and date still be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider providing donations to either the Building Fund of the First Baptist Church of Pflugerville or to general funds of Groton Heights Baptist Church.

To share memories about Douglas, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com