George William Douglas

George William Douglas, 67, passed away April 10, 2010, at his home in Lander, Wyoming. George was born November 3, 1942 at the family home in Upton, Wyoming to Paul and Marie Douglas. He was the youngest of three children including Melvin and Mary Halvorsen.

During his childhood, George excelled in many areas including music, band, speech, academics and athletics. He was a member of the All-State Choir, All-State Band, and All-State Poetry. His athletic career became a large part of his life as he entered junior and senior high school. George held the high hurdle record for over 20 years at Upton High School and was a member of the medley relay team placing fifth in the nation in 1959.

While in high school, George joined the National Guard and immediately following graduation went on active duty serving at Fort Ord, CA; Fort Sill, OK and lastly in the Nebraska Guard in Lincoln, NE. Returning from basic training in 1961, he joined his high school love and fiancée Doris (Mickey) Jones in Lander, Wyoming. They were married a week later in Newcastle, WY. They were blessed with three children Danette, Mark and Bridget and three grandchildren Brode', Baylie and Carter.

Moving into his collegiate career, George was a stand out in football, basketball and baseball; earning college and semi-pro invitations in baseball and a football scholarship to Chadron State College. He lettered at CSC in football, baseball and basketball.

While the natural progression of his athletic career was coaching, George was driven by teaching and education in general. George took his first job in Jeffrey City, WY where he taught math and science and coached basketball, softball and track. George then took a job in Sheridan, WY teaching health/physical education and coaching football, swimming and gymnastics. This was the first competitive gymnastics program in Wyoming and his girls swim team won the first ever Wyoming state swimming championship.

After nine years in Sheridan, George returned to CSC to obtain a Master of Science Degree in Secondary Administration. During this time, George coached baseball and football and taught part-time for CSC. The next logical progression was a Ph.D from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he completed his program of work in only 18 months.

With his doctorate in hand, George held several positions including superintendent of schools in Arthur, NE; Director of the Alternative School in Laramie, WY; Director of the College Counseling Center at Murray State College in Oklahoma; Dean of Students at Pratt Community College in Pratt, KS; Superintendent of Schools in Grover, CO; Saguache, CO and Mountain View, WY; and Curriculum/Special Education Director and Assistant Superintendent in Lander, WY. An appointment by Governor Jim Geringer to the Wyoming Community College Commission was in the midst of these various positions as well.

Regardless of his positions, George always seemed called back to his roots and early training of work in the oil fields and with heavy equipment. He loved his full size "Tonka Trucks." He loved the outdoors, hunting whitetail deer and elk, fishing Sand Creek, taking drives, music and spending his time with family. George was a fun-loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and educator. He will be missed dearly by his family and many friends.

Survivors include: Mother, Marie Douglas of Upton, WY; Wife, Mickey Douglas of Lander, WY; Children Dane' Douglas, Lander, WY; Mark, Bridget and Alan Dubberley, Cheyenne, WY; Sister, Mary and brother-in-law Rollie Halvorsen; Grandchildren Brode' & Baylie Bullington, and Carter Dubberley; Aunt Ruth and numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. George is preceded in death by his father Paul and brother Melvin; In-laws: E.T. Jones, Viola Tavegia, Ray and Peary Jones, Iona and niece Jolene (Snooky) Campbell.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 15, 2010, from 4 – 8:00pm at Chapel of Mount Hope, Hudson's Funeral Home, Lander.

A Funeral Service will be held 10:00am, Friday, April 16, 2010 in the First United Methodist Church of Lander. Burial will be on another date in Upton, WY.





Memorials may be mailed directly to: The George Douglas Memorial Scholarship, C/O Atlantic City Federal Credit Union, 1005 - 11th St, Lander, WY 82520.