Celebrating the Lifeof

Robert Lee Douglass, Jr.

TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2018

VISITATION: 10:00 AM FUNERAL MASS: 11:00 AM

TheChurchofSt.Edmund,King&Martyr6105 South Michigan Avenue

Chicago, Illinois

TheReverendD.MariaNeighbors,Officiant

Obituary

Robert Lee Douglass, Jr. was born on February 26, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest of two and the only son born to the union of Dr. Robert Lee and Henrietta Johnson Douglass. His sister, Marion preceded him in death in 2011.

Robert (Bob) was the quintessential example of the type of individual Tom Brokaw described in his book, “The Greatest Generation,” in that he fought not for fame or recognition, but because “it was the right thing to do”. His life was shaped by firsthand experiences that were rarely discussed: theGreat Depression, active duty in WWII and the institutional racism of the fiftiesandsixties.Bob’slifewasfueledbyanunwaveringdesiretoprovidethe best possible life for his children. This commitment stayed with him his entire life, believing that supporting his children was an instinctive and vital part of being a father. He regarded his responsibilities as a lifelong obligation thathefulfilledreadily,oftenproactivelyasking,“Doyouneedanything?”,quickly followed by, “I’m just doing my job; I’m glad to help”.

Bob graduated from Burke Elementary and Englewood High School in Chicago, Illinois, and went on to graduate from Wilson Junior City College soon after. His formal education was interrupted when he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army, the historic 92nd Infantry Division, and was recognizedasoneofthe“BuffaloSoldiers”.Initiallyheservedasamemberof the reserve corps, moving (with his unit) from Ohio to Iowa and ultimately performing maneuvers in Louisiana. Shortly thereafter, he was deployed to Italy, where he fought, boots on the ground, until the war ended in 1945. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Bob resumed his formal education upon his return from the war, graduating from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree and attending the Graduate School of Social Work. This academic training was an essential portion of his life profession, as Bob was originally a case worker for theCookCountyDepartmentofWelfare.Bobsoonbecamedissatisfiedwithsocial work, due to what he described as a “lack of initiative” in some of the recipients.HemovedontotheSocialSecurityAdministration,specificallythe Supplemental Security Income Division, where he ultimately became the director of theChicago region, overseeingfive offices: one inMinnesota,Michigan and Indiana, and two in Chicago. Bob retired from his professional career in 1981, allowing him ample time to travel, attend concerts and frequentplays,inanefforttobalanceouthislifewiththingshelovedtodo.

The horrors Bob witnessed in the war impacted his faith journey, however he remained a member of the St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church, following in the tradition of his father and sister, and where he served as an acolyte as a teenager. It was at St. Edmund’s that he met and married his life partner, Evelyn Joseph, who preceded him in death in 1994. They married at St. Edmund’s on January 21, 1950 and together raised four children who were allconfirmedatSt.Edmund’sandweremembersasadults.

Bob was an extremely hard worker, providing for his family in such a way that not only allowed his wife the opportunity to be a full-time homemaker, but also to send all four children to college. He was immensely proud of his children, counting one of his biggest accomplishments being that all of them grewuptobesuccessfulintheirrespectivecareers,tofindlovingandcaringromantic partners, and to remain close as siblings, even as time passed by.

Bob identified his own father as being one the biggest influencers in hislife, holding him to a very high standard. Bob’s children remember being held to a similarly high standard, with regards to grades, using appropriate grammar and behavior. In keeping with his personality, these standards were communicated in respectful tones, rarely leaving the recipient of his counsel judged, shamed or demeaned.

Robert was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and was thought to be one of the oldest living Alphas in the Chicago area. For a number of years during his retirement, Robert was also a member of the “Jolly Boys”, a social poker club, where he assumed the role of treasurer. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow poker players.

Bob was a man of few words, self-described as “even tempered”. Admittedly, the only thing that would frustrate him was being in a situation where it was apparent that some sort of action needed to take place, and rather than do the right thing without being asked, people would wait to be directly asked to help. Robert will be remembered by those that knew and loved him as rock solid, as a man who did what a man/husband/father was supposed to do, with no fanfare and expecting no accolades. Bob will be remembered as being one of the greatest of the “Greatest Generation”.

Robert L Douglass, Jr leaves to mourn in his passing his three daughters, Ellen Elizabeth, Robyn Diane, Phyllis Hayes (Michael) and his only son, Robert J Douglass (Karen). He also leaves his grandchildren, Rosalyn C Douglass and Daniel J Hayes, cousins Kathleen Powell and Carolyn Bowles and family, and a host of fervent admirers.

The Burial Office and EucharistThe Prelude “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”

The Book Of Common PrayerAn Order for Burial

The Burial Opening Sentences Page 491

A Prayer for the Deceased Page 493

Opening Hymn “Joyful, Joyful” Page 376

The Old Testament Lesson Lamentations 3:22-26; 31-33

The New Testament Lesson I John 3:1-2

Psalm 27: 1-5; 13-14

Solo Mr.JeffreyBurish

Tribute Grandchildren: Rosalyn C Douglass; Daniel J. Hayes

The Homily The Reverend Michael G. Hayes

The Apostles Creed Page 496

The Prayers for the Deceased The Reverend D. Maria Neighbors

The Prayers of the People Page 497

The Peace Page 360

Eucharistic Prayer B Page 367

The Communion

TheCommunionSolo Mr.JeffreyBurish

The Commendation Page 499

The Committal Page 501

* The Hymn “It is Well” No. 188 Benediction The Lord Bless You and Keep You* Indicates the hymnal, Lift Every Voice and Sing

INTERMENTLINCOLN CEMETERY

12300 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60655

Unity Funeral Parlors, Inc.4114 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60653 – (773) 624-2703

Norman J. Williams – President – Funeral DirectorBrenda L. Thacker – Funeral Director

The Participants

TheReverendD.MariaNeighbors,OfficiantEllen E. Douglass, LectorPhyllis D. Hayes, LectorRobert J. Douglass, LectorRobyn Douglass, Oblation BearerKathleen Powell, Oblation BearerMr. Richard Evans, OrganistMr.JeffreyBurish,Soloist

Pallbearers Eugene A. Bowles Melvin L. Carter Robert J. Douglass Daniel J. Hayes Michael G. Hayes Donald Roland

Honorary Pallbearers

William Gathing Edwin Hasgill Paul Hasgill Brian Roland Tyler Roland David Yancey

Acknowledgements

To our many friends, our hearts are full of love and gratitude to all of you for the many comforting messages of sympathy and your acts of kindness and concern during our bereavement.