William Arthur "Bill" Douglas, age 86, of Emerson, Iowa, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023, at Glen Haven Cottages in Glenwood, Iowa. Bill was born May 30, 1936 in Montgomery County, Iowa, the son of William Henry and Jessie Lanore (Smith) Douglas. He was raised in Mills County, Iowa, and graduated from Emerson High School in 1953. He then served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon his return from service, he attended school at the University of Iowa. Bill was united in marriage to Barbara Durbin on June 3, 1956 in Emerson, Iowa. They lived the majority of their lives in Emerson. For the past two years, Bill was a resident of Glen Haven Cottages in Glenwood, Iowa. Over the years, Bill worked for Huntsman Grocery where he was a butcher, drove a milk truck for Roberts Dairy in Omaha, and managed Skelgas in Emerson for 30 years retiring in 1992. After retiring from Skelgas he began farming the Ivan Durbin land from 1992 to 1994. He was raised in the United Methodist Church and was later a member of the Emerson Baptist Church. Bill was also a longtime member of the Emerson American Legion Post #575, the Emerson Masonic Lodge, and was a volunteer on the Emerson Fire Department. His hobbies included gardening, fishing, camping, and woodworking.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife: Barbara Douglas; sisters: Peggy Jean Green, Marjorie Ann Bass, B. Joan Moore and Barbara Carol Douglas; and brother: George Henry Douglas. Survivors include his children: Cathleen Bruce and husband Matt of Emerson, IA; Christopher Douglas and wife Lynda of Bedford, TX; William Douglas II and wife Gena of Red Oak, IA; and Bob Douglas and wife Ellen of Elkhorn, NE; grandchildren: Jessica "Floy" Ripplinger and husband Andrew of Malvern, IA and Sara Gale Bruce of Red Oak, IA; great grandchildren: Aubrey Mae, Renae Christine, Madison Kate, and Camryn Elizabeth Ripplinger; sister-in-law: Christine Durbin of Independence, MO; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa. Burial with military honors will be in the Emerson, Iowa Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Monday, March 20, 2023, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Emerson Volunteer Fire Department or the Emerson American Legion Post #575.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.