Funeral arrangements for William “Wayne” Douglas, have been scheduled. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Meyers Northland Chapel 401 Main Street Parkville, MO. A Celebration of Wayne’s life will commence at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel with Chaplain Ralph Testerman officiating. A Committal Service with military honors will immediately follow at 12:30 p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery 150 Muncie Road Leavenworth, Kansas. In Lieu of flowers Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society in his memory at: https://donate.cancer.org or Parkinson’s Disease Research at https://parkinsonhope.org/ways-donate/
William “Wayne” Douglas of Kansas City, MO passed away Monday, August 21, 2023 at the of age 76.
Wayne was Born on April 1,1947 to Carole and William Bill Douglas in Richfield, OH. In 1956 the Douglas family moved to Kansas City, KS from Richfield OH, later moving to Lake Waukomis, MO in 1957.
Wayne attended Parkhill High School 1963 in Kansas City North and Wentworth Military School, Lexington, MO in 1964. He went back to Revere High in Richfield, OH and graduated in 1965.
He became a Datsun, and VW Mechanic for Fred Angle in Gladstone in 1971 and worked there for 17 years. Later transferred to Superior Hyundai in 1988, and was the 1st “Certified Hyundai Auto Technician” in Kansas City, MO. In 1997 he began work at Northtowne Hyundai, in Gladstone, where he worked until he retired after a serious head-on collision in 2013 and not walking for well over a year. In all he worked as a Hyundai Auto Technician and held many advanced Hyundai certifications for over 15 years.
Wayne was a member of the Southern Platte County Jaycees from 1981 – 1986. He became President in 1982 where he held Jaycee meetings in Parkville, MO. He was also Membership VP 1981, and Newsletter Editor 1982 to 1983, and earned the Southern Platte County Jaycees Family of the Year award in 1982 and was presented the Outstanding Local President award in 1982. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 318 – Parkville, MO.
He was a British MG Car enthusiast, owner of a 1977 MGB and member of the Kansas City All British MG Car Association and Newsletter Editor 1990-1994. He also owns a 2001 Ford Lighting and was a member of the Ford Lighting Association.
Wayne was an avid Ballroom dancer and took it very seriously. He loved to dance the East Coast Swing and Cha Cha. He was also a certified licensed Travel Agent and Travel Agency owner along with his wife Linda. They, together owned a CruiseOne Travel Franchise from 2013 to 2018. Later switching to a “Hosted” Travel Planners International, Travel Supplier in 2018 until July 2022 when Wayne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and Stage IV Liver Cancer and started getting very sick. He was a certified Specialist for every River and Ocean Cruise company in the travel business, as well as many all-inclusive resorts for Sandals and AM Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. All of this training was a huge undertaking as he never did anything without a lot of hard work and commitment but earned all these certifications taking months to certify as he recovered over a year from his auto accident. Together they traveled extensively to many countries, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, while dancing across two oceans and back for 15 years all during his time of recovery from the head-on collision.
He leaves his wife Linda of 45 years, their Step-Daughter Lori O’Connor-Gruber, Son-in-Law David Gruber. 2 grandchildren, Alyssa O’Connor, and Nate O’Connor, and 4 Great-Grand Children; Ava Lynn, Zayden, Nova Lise and Kade Rios, a sister Dr. Rebecca Douglas-Beuchert, and Brother-in-law, George Beuchert III, a nice Lucy Beuchert-McCann and her husband Quinn McCann of Washington, DC
“TO HONOR A VETERAN”
Thank you William for your service to our country. Because of your service you have given each and everyone of us our freedom.
God bless you William for keeping our country safe and for all the sacrifices you have made for our country for me and for all of us.
LINDA PETERSON
WIFE OF A (DECEASED) UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN
Good by my friend and cousin
David
Linda, so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. He was such a hard worker. Knowing that he’s at peace now hopefully will bring some comfort to you. Praying for you at this difficult time.
My Big Brother was a terrific team player and mentor. When our mother was elderly and required extensive help, he & Linda were full-in partners with us at every step. Over his life, his enthusiasm and energy for all things CARS ! ballroom dancing. dogs, cruises, BBQ, the Chiefs….his enthusiasm was catching and conveyed his love of life. I will miss him very very much.
Linda and Lori-
I’m so sorry! What a wonderful life well lived. Lots of beautiful memories to give you comfort! It’s never easy to lose a loved one but rest assured the pain and suffering is over. Keeping you all in my prayers!
I am a grateful member of the Douglas family through marriage to Wayne’s sister, Rebecca.
Wayne was a fantastic person who made a difference in so many lives. I learned many things from him, including fun stuff like appreciation for Kansas City BBQ. Like his mother before him, he was a good egg willing to try new things, accept the bad with the good, and not complain even in great pain. The Douglas family will not be the same without Wayne, but he lives on in our hearts.
Linda, please know that Rebecca and I will always be here to support you.