Jerry B. Douglas, 83, born on March 12, 1935 to John B. Douglas and Lucille Dalton departed this world on March 6, 2019 to be with our Lord and Savior.
Jerry married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Ruth Mae Lankford on November 24, 1954; they were married 64 years.
He was part owner of Douglas and Douglas Contractors for 19 years. Jerry owned his own construction company for many years. He was a commercial contractor, and he joined the Bricklayers Union in 1958. He loved stonework and was known for his expertise. He was very proud of the stone he laid at the foot of the praying hands sculpted by his longtime friend Jack Dawson. The praying hands still stand today in Webb City, Missouri. In 1980 he purchased Rangeline Rent-All and ran it successfully until 2011 when the business was dissolved because of the Joplin tornado.
Jerry was a lifetime member of Empire Baptist Church where he was a deacon and Sunday school teacher for the past 45 years. Jerry and Ruth gave a life of service to the church they loved. They made lifetime friends, they celebrated many weddings, and welcomed many babies into God’s sanctuary. In later years, Jerry and Ruth shared many mornings sitting in their home, by the big front window, where they would enjoy watching their many cows lazily graze on the green pastures. All the while, they studied the word of God and praised Him in their daily devotions.
Jerry was a lifetime member of the Joplin Business Club and a proud member of the NRA. He enjoyed the outdoors and took many fishing trips to Canada with his best friend Glenn Barnett. He enjoyed spending time on his farm, taking care of his cattle, and giving his grandchildren and great grandchildren rides on his tractor.
Jerry loved his family and it showed in every aspect of his life. His wife, three daughters and his grandchildren were his world. When Ruth was in the hospital for two months in 2017, Jerry was there every day at her bedside, just holding her hand. Their love was indescribable. It was a true love that weathered many storms through the years, but with their faith in the Lord and each other their love became stronger. To his three daughters he was everything a father should be. He received many calls through the years for help or advice and even though they were all grown up and married, he would do whatever they needed at anytime of the day. He still saw them as his little girls. They always felt safe and secure with their dad. His quick humor didn’t go unnoticed by anyone.
Jerry will be missed by many, but most of all his family. There’s a deep sadness in our hearts today but a peace knowing we will meet again.
He was preceded in death by his father John B. Douglas, his mother, Lucille Dalton, his sister Patricia Bryant, his brother Johnny Bob Douglas, his stepmother, Julia Elizabeth Douglas; and his grandson Josh Jordan.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth; three daughters, Christie Douglas, Seneca, Lesa Holland and husband, Bob, Lee's Summit, Missouri, Jamie Stipp and husband, Dan, Knoxville, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Abbey Beale and husband, Brad, Lee's Summit, Josh Jordan, Callie Lankford and husband, Aubrey, Seneca, Addie Stipp, Rogers, Arkansas, Micah Stipp, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Wil Stipp, Rustin, Louisiana; five great grandchildren, Jordan, Grace, Jager, Lily, Bella; one sister, Chris Harris and husband, Jack, Santa Fe, New Mexico, a brother, Don Douglas and wife, Janelle, Parker, Colorado; and many other extended family members and friends.
Services are planned for Wednesday at Noon at First Baptist Church, Joplin. Rev. Jim Albers will officiate. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse, in care of Parker Mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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