Jerold Douglass

Devoted husband, rancher, World War II veteran, family man Jerold D. Douglass was born on May 13, 1925 at Cushing, Nebraska, the second child of Lawrence and Vera (Cuddeback) Douglass. He attended school in Cushing and St. Paul. He grew up in Nebraska during the Depression with three sisters and four brothers. Jerold was inducted into the Army on July 31, 1944, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was sent with the U.S. Army Infantry overseas to serve in the European African Campaign, April 5, 1945. From July 28, 1945 until July 26, 1946, he was with the 620th Army Air Force Base Unit at Muroc, California. He was discharged from service at Camp Beal, California on July 26, 1946. He met the love of his life, Jacqueline Hoffer, at a dance in Dunning. They fostered their love through a year of letter writing. They were married on August 29, 1945 in Broken Bow. Jerold and Jacqueline created a life ranching on the Kilpatrick ranch south of Brewster with Jacqueline’s family, Ernie and Ida Kilpatrick. To this union, three children were born: Linda Kay, Larry Dean, and Steven Ray. Jerold and Jacqueline raised Hereford cattle on the ranch for 34 years until retiring to Merna in 1980. Jerold and Jacqueline celebrated the Kilpatrick Ranch Centennial in the summer of 2010. Jerold lived the latter part of his life being a devoted caregiver to Jacqueline. In September 2010, Jacqueline’s failing health necessitated her move to Heritage Hall with his move shortly thereafter in January 2011 to Independence Hall. Jerold was a devoted husband who was always there for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His beloved dogs, Gypsy, Buddy and Pepe’, were also a special part of his life. Jerold’s had great pride in his fencing and enjoyment in playing pool, attending family gatherings, fishing with his brothers and son-in-law, dancing, visiting the coffee shop, listening to old time country music and attending sales and auctions. He looked forward to visiting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and supporting them in their activities. Jerold served with the U.S. Army during World War II and cherished his WWII Hero’s flight to Washington, DC. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #323 of Blaine County, Nebraska and Finance Officer for four years from 1976 to 1980. He served as a volunteer firefighter in Brewster and Merna, served on the ASCS board in Thedford, held the position of Mayor of Merna, was elected TOPS King for the State of Nebraska and was a member of the Church of Christ in Broken Bow. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jacqueline of Broken Bow; daughter Linda (Carol) Conard of Burwell, son Larry (Donna) Douglass of Brewster, daughter-in-law Bridget Douglass of Broken Bow; 6 grandchildren Katheryn (Tom) Stevens of Olathe, KS, Bruce (Jana) Bryant of Owensboro, KY, Terry (Donna Jo) Douglass of Grand Island, Douglass (Sheri) Bryant of Anselmo, Casey (Monica) Douglass of Broken Bow, and Holly Douglass of Grand Island; brothers Leslie Douglass of Ashby, Vance (Jan) Douglass of Ashby, Dennis Douglass of Grand Island, sister-in-law Dorothy Douglass of North Platte, brother-in-law Ernie Wempen of Overton; great-grandchildren Marty and Riley Stevens, Amber and Christopher Bryant, Brooks, Broc, Bo and Brady Douglass, Olivia and Addison Bryant, Ryan and Katie Douglass, and Hunter Douglass. Jerold left this world and went Home July 16, 2011. He was preceded in death by his son Steven Douglass, grandson Clinton Douglass, brother Alvin Douglass, sisters Lelia Wempen, Janice Hendrickson, Freda Hagman, brothers-in-laws Hank Hagman, Gordon Hendrickson, and a sister-in-law Karen Douglass. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow with Pastor Jerry Ricketts officiating. Burial will be in the Brewster Cemetery with military honors. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Govier Brothers Mortuary. Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com. Memorials have been established to the American Legion Post #323 in Brewster.