Submitted by
Ken Gates
Marlin Democrat
Monday, November 05, 2007
Marlin, Falls County, Texas
Arthur Douglas Passes Away
Arthur Douglas, a major contributor to Marlin community involvement, passed away on Monday, Oct. 22, 2007.
Douglas was born on April 20, 1934, and his parents were Charles H. Douglas and Margaret Loper Douglas. Douglas attended elementary and middle school at the Booker T. Washington School in Dover, Del. prior to graduating from Howard High School in Wilmington, Del.
He was baptized by Rev. A. B. Henson at the Marlin Missionary Baptist Church.
After high school graduation, Douglas attended Maryland State University. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged after two years, though his military experience included 20 years in the Air Force. When he re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, he was commissioned to 2nd Lieutenant prior to being promoted to Captain and serving as a missile launch control officer in California (Douglas was also stationed in Alaska and the Far East).
Douglas, a retired Air Force Major, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Maryland; a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Tarelton State University in Stephenville; Meteorologist Certification from Texas A&M University in College Station and is a graduate of the Air Force Command and Staff College.
Douglas served as president of the board of trustees for the Marlin Independent School District for 20 years. In addition, he also served as the Marlin City Manager from 1996 - 2001.
Douglas continued his education at the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs and attended other human resource and public law workshops annually.
Community involvement was a major part of Douglas' life. Often, he accepted speaking engagements at various events (particularly those affiliated with Black History and the history of Falls County).
Also, Douglas was an active member of the Juneteenth Club, the B.T.W. Alumni and Ex-Students Association, Hopeful Masonic Lodge #78 in Marlin, and served as Treasurer of Falconer Stamps Community Center. He also served as Election Judge for Precinct II.
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Marlin Democrat
Monday, November 05, 2007
Marlin, Falls County, Texas
Arthur Evans Douglas
April 20, 1934 - October 22, 2007
Arthur Evans Douglas, native of Dover, Delaware and a major contributor to Marlin community involvement, passed away on Monday, Oct. 22, 2007.
Douglas was born on April 20, 1934, to the parentage of Charles H. Douglas and Margaret Loper Douglas. He attended elementary and junior high at the Booker T. Washington School in Dover, Del. prior to attending Howard High School in Wilmington, Del. where he graduated. He later united with the Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon in June 1996 under the leadership of Pastor R.N. McCray. Douglas served as Chairman of Deacons and Chairman of Finance until his demise.
Upon retirement from the military, Douglas was employed as Program Operations Management, EOAC, in Waco - where he functioned as Deputy Executive and coordinated with Program Directors.
Later employed as Coordinator for Contracts and Grants, TSTI Systems in Waco, Douglas was responsible for contractual compliance and coordination for the four campus systems.
As Director of Human Resources TSTC System in Waco, Douglas was responsible for the administration of all human resources functions, including employment, benefits, compensation, safety/risk management, conflicts resolution and EEO/AAP for the four campus systems.
Arthur was previously married to Delores Evans. To this union, one son, Darryl Douglas, was born. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and one sister.
Douglas met Rose while attending Meteorology School at Texas A&M University. They were married in May 1971. His immediate family was increased with the addition of two step-children, Elizabeth Richardson and Terry Richardson, whom he adored and loved very much. He was preceded in death by Terry. Douglas became the caring grandfather of Brandon and Audi Richardson.
Arthur leaves to cherish his memories: a loving wife, Rose Marie Douglas of Marlin; one son, Darryl Douglas of New York; one step-daughter, Elizabeth Richardson of Bryan; sisters: Margaret (Robert) Baines of Dover, Del., Dr. Myrtle Scott of Dover, Del., and Patricia Justice of Kokomo City, Va.; brothers: Charles (Josephine) Douglas of Myertown, Pa., and Frederick (Pearl) Douglas of Dover, Del.; three special aunts: Marie Banks and Eleanor Young of Reading, Pa. and Alberta Smith of Dallas; a special cousin: Dorothy (Sylvester) Townsend of Chester, Pa.; a step grandson, Brandon (Lashunda) Richardson of Marlin; an adored step granddaughter, Audi (AC) Richardson of College Station; two step great grandchildren, Briaria of Marlin and Jacorien of Bryan; special in-laws: Margie (Larry) Womack of Temple, Evelyn Simpson of San Antonio, Lora Cox of Las Vegas, Nev., and T. W. Williams of Temple; a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and a special friend, Willie Martin of Marlin.
