Eugene Douglas

Staff Sergeant Eugene B. Douglas passed away in Lawton, Oklahoma on Thursday January 18, 2018.

He was born on May 18, 1935 in Rockwall, Texas and attended Booker, T. Washington High School in Dallas, Texas. Following graduation in 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army. One of his most memorable tours of duty, was completed in Vietnam from 1967-1968. SSgt Douglas served with the 7th and Air-Cavalry Divisions. His unit was known as the “Rough Riders”. He served as section chief of a unit that used the M2 .50-Caliber Machine Gun which mounted in Four (4)-Gun configuration known as the “Quad- 50”. He was proud to say that he never lost a man in his unit, they all returned home safely. SSgt Douglas received the Bronze Star for Heroism. SSgt. Douglas served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1977, and received an honorable discharge. He retired at Fort Sill Army Base in Lawton, Oklahoma.

SSgt Douglas also retired from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Lawton, Oklahoma. Afterwards, he served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and other charity organizations.

Staff Sergeant Douglas is preceded in death by his parents Elder Virgil and Hazel Douglas; sisters, Virgie Willis and Alice Lewis; brothers, Willie and Joe Douglas. He is survived by his brother, Howard Douglas of Garland, TX; one Aunt, Ruby Hill of Garland, TX; three children; Eugene J. of New York, Elizebeth of Lawton, OK, Henry of Florida; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will also be held in Lawton, Oklahoma honoring SSgt Douglas.