GERALD DOUGLAS

ST. CHARLES, Mo. Gerald Reid Douglas, age 69, of Saint Charles, Missouri, died August 13, 2010. Friends and relatives will gather at a later date to celebrate Gerald's life with Rev. Jerry N. Douglas officiating. Gerald's body was donated to science for the study of cancer.

He was preceded in death by his infant children, William and Doris Douglas; father, Noel Alexander Douglas; and grandparents, George Earnest Reid and Crissie Lou Starnes Reid and Ademar Alonzo and Velma Douglas.

Survivors include his wife, Lynda Jeanne Birdsong Douglas, St. Charles, Mo.; daughter, Noel Alexandra Douglas and husband David Oleksa, Chesterfield, Mo.; son, Ryan Scott Douglas, St. Charles, Mo.; grandchildren, Katherine Elizabeth, Max Douglas, and Anna Noel Oleksa; mother, MayBelle Reid Douglas Beavert, age 96; and brother, Rev. Jerry N. Douglas and wife Nelle Douglas of Northport, Ala.

Gerald graduated from Tuscaloosa High School, class of 1959, and the University of Alabama, class of 1963. He had a satisfying and productive career as an Industrial Engineer with Continental Can Company, later Crown, Cork and Seal. Gerald was an active member of Swift Presbyterian Church in Foley, Ala.

As a conscientious citizen who actively followed world news and politics, Gerald could change his perspective based on the facts. He traveled and scuba dived in six of the seven continents. A gourmet cook, he loved serving beautifully presented foods and good wines for his family and friends. Gerald was an active member of Master Gardeners and Wolf Bay Water Watch. He served as a volunteer educator teaching environmental education lessons on world water issues. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

With the help of Dr. Bart Barlegie, a true genius, and the gifted, dedicated, highly skilled staff of the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy, UAMS, Little Rock, Ark., Gerald lived happy, quality years more than predicted. He is now alive in Christ Jesus and will remain so in the hearts of the many who so love and miss him.