“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure to hold for always.”

Robert Elza "Bob" Douglas, age 69, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 15, 2024, in Tulsa, OK.

Bob was born on September 24, 1954, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Elza Leroy (Pete) Douglas & Maxine Verda (Pumphrey) Douglas. He was a lifelong resident of both Tulsa and Jenks, Oklahoma. Growing up on Tulsa’s Westside, Bob attended Park Elementary, Clinton Junior High School, and Daniel Webster High School – graduating in 1972.

People would invariably ask Bob about the origin of his most unusual middle name. Hailing from German and Hebrew roots, Elza (a Douglas family name claimed by Bob’s father and grandfather), means “noble,” “mirthful,” “God is my oath,” and “God is my joy” - fitting for a man who loved God and loved nothing more than to pull jokes on his friends and family.

Following high school, Bob held several positions with a variety of employers including Dixon Goodman Lumber before joining the Jenks Fire Department in October of 1977. He became Fire Chief in 1987 and served 20 years until his retirement on May 31, 2007. His career with fire service included being a Firefighter Instructor with Oklahoma State University School of Fire Protection and Safety. Additionally, Bob was also certified as a state Fire Marshall.

During his time of service, he saw tremendous growth in the City of Jenks and was excited to be a part of the building of the Jenks Aquarium complex and his pride and joy – Jenks Fire Station #2 – which became a model for new station construction nationwide. One of his favorite memories was when he and two of his fellow firefighters, manning the city ambulance, were called to transport a woman in labor to the hospital. Realizing they would not make it, they pulled over on Main Street and delivered an 8-pound, 5-ounce healthy baby boy – a first for all three of them.

Bob was known to be an avid and talented golfer – claiming one Hole in One, and two Double Eagles during the height of his golfing days. The standard station joke was that if you called him and were told he was in a chiefs’ meeting, that was “Bob Speak” for “he’s at the golf course.”

When not playing golf, he enjoyed hunting – especially deer hunting. He claimed several trophy worthy deer over the years and always looked forward to hunting season – especially when daughter Alyssa and her husband Dusty joined him. He was always ready to grab his pre-packed gear and jump in the truck whenever the opportunity arose.

Bob kept up his school friendships and was an active and supportive member of the Daniel Webster High School Class of 72 Alumni group – attending get togethers, reunions, and class luncheons whenever he was able. Bob loved doing for others – and was always available to lend a hand or provide for the needs of others in whatever way he could. He inherited the Douglas family stubbornness (which we like to call determination) – which meant that nothing was impossible – especially if you used a big enough, strong enough, heavy enough tool from Harbor Freight. Bob will be forever missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Elza (Pete) and Maxine Douglas, his son, Robert Clinton Douglas, and stepson Matt Matlock.

He is survived by his wife, Terry Douglas; his daughter Alyssa Beitz and husband Dusty; sister Sandra Massey and husband Lee, brother Bill Douglas and wife Phyllis, and brother David Douglas and wife Ruthie. In addition, he is survived by stepdaughters Kristina Anderson and Brittany O’Neal. He leaves to cherish his memory: 6 grandchildren, 4 nieces and nephews, and 7 grand nieces and nephews. Bob is also survived by a host of extended family members, friends, and fellow firefighters.

Bob’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who have come to offer encouragement, comfort, and love to Bob while he was in hospital and hospice care. We would like to recognize the loving support and care provided by Saint Francis Hospital, Cearu Medical Resort Rehab, Saint Francis Hospice, and Clarehouse.

“Our love is measured by the pain we feel at the loss and the joy we anticipate when we are reunited.”

A public visitation will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, located at 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service to honor the life of Bob will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM, immediately after conclusion of the chapel service at Spade Mountain Cemetery, located at 464854 E 785 Rd, Stillwell, OK 74960.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Clarehouse in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Anyone wishing to send flowers for Bob's services may do so by ordering through our website or by calling Floral Designs by Floral Haven at (918) 459-1525. Any independent florists may deliver flowers directly to Floral Haven Funeral Home by 2:00 PM on Monday, April 29, 2024, in order for them to be set out and properly displayed for Bob's visitation.

Arrangements entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.