John M. Douglas

John M. Douglas, 96, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was born in Pawtucket, RI, the son on Donald and Dolina (McNaughton) Douglas, family of Scotland. He was the husband of Louise (Grosh) Douglas to whom he was married for 54 years. John served in the U.S. Navy and retired as Lt. Commander in 1969 after 26 years as a pilot. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served aboard the USS Barnegat, USS Babbit, and USS Santee where he was a Radioman 3rd class in the North Atlantic and North Africa. He had flight training at St. Mary’s College in Oakland, CA, Naval Flight Preparatory School in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, War Training School in Grand Junction, CO, and flew SNJ & SBD in Corpus Christi, TX. He served on the USS Midway in the all-weather squadron in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, flight instructor for advanced training command. He served as Lieutenant Commander with the Antarctic Flight Support Squadron, and Personnel Officer with Collateral Duty at Sigonella, Sicily. After a successful rescue of an American scientist from the southern mountains of Antarctica, a mountain of the region was named in John’s honor, Douglas Peaks in the Southern Heritage range. Following his career in Naval Aviation, he received his teaching degree from Millersville University and attended Penn State York Campus for post graduate. Mr. Douglas taught for 14 years at McCaskey High School retiring in 1984. In his younger years, John was a championship swimmer, played soccer and baseball. He enjoyed traveling and camping with the family and in the later years enjoyed golfing. His daily Hobbies were reading and jogging. He always enjoyed further learning especially about science and the universe. Surviving besides his wife Louise, are his daughter, Laurie D. Zimmerman (Wilmer) and his son, Dr. John G. Douglas (Kristin); his grandchildren, Ashley Zimmerman, Amber Zimmerman, and Matthew Douglas; and his great granddaughter, Ava Silva. Private services will be at the convenience of the family. Donations can be made in honor of John M. Douglas to the Homestead Village Endowment Fund, 1800 Marietta Ave., Lancaster PA 17603.