John C Douglass

John C. Douglass peacefully went home to his Lord and Savior in Heaven at the age of 90, on Saturday, June 24 in Alamogordo, NM. His beautiful wife, Geraldine Douglass, was by his side. 

John was born on January 28, 1933, to Cleo and Emory Douglass in Winterset, Iowa. He lived there with his parents and older brother until the age of ten, when the family moved to Carlsbad, NM. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Southwestern University and a Master’s degree in Education from New Mexico State University. He served as an instructor of Chemistry until he retired from NMSU-Alamogordo in 1989. Many of his former students have thanked him over the years for his beyond-the-classroom efforts to tutor them on how to succeed in college. He was a member of Grace Methodist Church for 50+ years and was an active charter member of Breakfast Lions Club for 52 years. John led the building of the community playground, Kid’s Kingdom. John demonstrated great passion for the build, securing support from the City of Alamogordo and took immense pride in leading the citizens of the city in raising funds and building the park. John was a classic vehicle enthusiast and restored many cars and trucks over the years, sharing his love of classic cars at various community events. He loved fishing and taking road trips, with his wife Geraldine and his sons and grandchildren. He and his wife enjoyed playing bridge and traveling domestically and abroad. 

John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Geraldine Douglass; sons Mark Douglass of South Dakota; Charles “Chuck” Douglass and wife Leora of Alamogordo, NM; Cristopher Douglass of Alamogordo, NM; stepchildren Mike Gow and wife Pamela of Lee’s Summit, MO; Glenn Gow of Aurora, CO; Steven Gow and wife Mary of Hillsboro, OR; Brenda Solis and husband Saul of Las Cruces, NM; 13 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren, and two nephews, Scott and Clay Douglass. John was predeceased by parents Emory and Cleo Douglass, brother Emory Douglass, granddaughter Rheanna Young and grandson Patrick Gow.

Pastor Kelley McCuaig of Grace Methodist Church will officiate a memorial service and celebration of life at 10 am on Friday, June 30 at Scenic Chapel, 1334 N Scenic Dr. in Alamogordo, NM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to encourage a charitable donation be made to Lions Clubs International, www.lionsclubs.org, on behalf of John Douglass.

The Douglass family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.

To sign the online register book, please visit www.alamogordofuneralhome.org.

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