Steven Allen Douglas

July 9, 1935 – August 26, 2022

Burleson, Texas – Steven Allen Douglas, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend was called to heaven unexpectedly on August 26, 2022, after a brief hospital stay and several years of failing health. He was 87.

Steve was born in Long Beach, CA on July 9, 1935, to Raymond Cecil Douglas and Mary Frances Stephenson Douglas. He graduated from Burleson High School in 1954, where he was Captain of the football team. In 2011 he was inducted into the BISD Sports Hall of Fame for being a member of the 1951-52 Burleson Football Team which was the first football team at BHS.

He met and married the love of his life, Gayle Higgins Douglas, on June 7, 1957.  They celebrated 65 years of marriage, raised three children and an extended family.

Steve served in the Army and was a member of the 19th Infantry “Rock of Chickamauga” Marksmanship Team while stationed in Augsburg, Germany. Upon his honorable discharge he began his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone. He held several supervisory positions, but he particularly enjoyed his time as an Installation and Repair Foreman the latter of his 35-year career which ended in 1992. He made life-long friendships during his career, and it was often said he bled “Bell Blue” because of his dedication to the job.

He was a man of many talents. He could build and repair anything, and he often helped friends and family with projects. His was a faithful friend and was willing to help anyone. Over the years he loved riding motorcycles, boating and fishing on area lakes, building and flying model airplanes and general tinkering.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his son Bryan Allen Douglas, and his son-in-law, Lynn Bleeker.

He is survived by his lovely wife, Gayle of 65 years; daughters Steve Ann Richie and husband David, and Marilyn Bleeker all of Burleson, and his brother Bob Douglas and wife Mary of Whitney. Grandchildren are Jennifer Thomas and husband Chris, Kevin Bleeker and wife Andrea, Brian Bleeker and Jason Bleeker; 8 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.