Thomas H. Douglas III

Thomas Harrelson Douglas III passed away at home in the early hours of January 9th, 2019 at the age of 83. Among his family, his friends, and colleagues, Tom was known by many names including Doug, T.H., Papa T.H., Papa H, and Dad. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara; their three children, Tom, Kathy, and Scott; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Tom was born January 4th, 1936 in Columbia Missouri. He graduated from Osceola High School in 1953, and shortly after moved to southern California. While living there, he asked a friend to set him up with "the nicest girl in town," and he married that girl, Barbara Ann Smith on January 19th, 1957. Tom served in the California National Guard and then in the Army from 1956 until 1959. He first served at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was trained in the operation of tabulating machines. After basic training, he trained as an IBM machine accountant at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis. He was assigned to the 5th Army Headquarters in Chicago in 1957 and worked a night shift at Prudential Insurance. Tom was posted to France from 1958-1959. While there, he took up photography as a hobby and learned how to print photos as well. After his time in the army, Tom and Barbara raised their three children, Tom, Kathy, and Scott, in Ventura, California. From 1961-1990, Tom worked for Southern Pacific Milling Company in Oxnard, California. He started out as a computer programmer and rose through the ranks to Vice President and General Manager. After leaving S.P. Milling, Tom and Barbara relocated to Bolivar, Missouri. Tom continued working in accounting and tax preparation until his retirement in Nixa, Missouri. Tom had many hobbies throughout his life, including photography, fishing, reading, and genealogical studies. He obtained his private pilot's license in 1967. He also spent a lot of time volunteering in his church community, through youth groups, church boards, and song-leading. Studying and teaching the Word of God was his greatest passion. He believed "the most important and lasting goal and objective in my life is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord." Reception to follow at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 460 Aldersgate Drive, Nixa