William Charles Douglas

William Charles Douglas was born on September 27, 1939, in Kaplan, Louisiana, and passed away at the age of 85 in Metairie, Louisiana on January 2, 2025, after a brief illness. Bill is survived by his loving and caring fiancée, Barbara Kaplan Kansas, his two sons, William Charles "Chuck" Douglas, Jr. (Michelle) and Michael Landan Douglas (Melanie), and two grandchildren Emma Banko and Brayden Douglas. He also leaves behind other loved ones including Jennifer Kansas of Lafayette and Bryan Kansas (Kerri) and their children Ella and Duncan of Austin, Texas. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Gail Patterson Douglas of Baton Rouge, his parents Ethel Blanchard Douglas and William Edgar "Ed" Douglas of Kaplan.
As the only child of two educators, Bill was encouraged to serve others, develop leadership skills, and was well- known for his humor and storytelling antics. Bill never met a stranger and to know him was to love him. As a young man, he earned the prestigious honor of Eagle Scout which reflected his exceptional character and community service. He was a graduate of Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, West Virginia, and he honorably served active duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1958-1962. He was chosen as a member of the elite USMC Force Reconnaissance, and he became commander of his unit. Later, he earned a bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's degree in mathematics from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Bill spent much of his life as a resident of Kenner and later moved to Ormond Country Club Estates in Destrehan. He retired from a lengthy career as an applications programming manager at Pellerin Milnor Corporation where he applied his skills in mathematics to mainframe computer technology. Bill was such an outgoing and social person he worked at the Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner after retiring. Bill was an automotive enthusiast and proudly owned many cars with one-of-a-kind characteristics. He was active in Driftwood Park Country Club and Chateau Estates Country Club as an avid tennis player and golfer. He also served as a board member for the Driftwood Park Civic Association, and he was chosen as King of the Driftwood Mardi Gras parade in 1991 for his outstanding contributions to the community.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the medical staff at East Jefferson Hospital for their expert care and professionalism during his brief stay.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to the visitation on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 10:00AM-12PM at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home located at 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie. A funeral mass will follow at 12 noon in the chapel with a graveside burial service at the Garden of Memories. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences.
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