William Edwin Douglass, age 91 passed away on November 8, 2015 at The Sanctuary of Geneva. Bill was born on August 10, 1924 to Frank Crosby and Ruth (Fredericks) Douglass in Augusta, GA. Bill was a lifelong resident of Jefferson. He was a 1942 graduate of Jefferson High School and earned The Eagle Scout Award. He attended Miami University in Oxford, OH before accepting a congressional appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, graduating in 1944.

A World War II Veteran, he completed several trips crossing the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. He was the owner of Douglass Lumber Company for over 40 years. He served on the Jefferson Village council, and was a Jefferson Firefighter. Bill was a Past President of the Jefferson Rotary Club, Ohio Lumbermen’s Association and the Ashtabula Builders Association. He was a life member of Ashtabula Elks Lodge #208.

Bill is survived by five children: Margaret “Peggie” (Larry) Sonstein of Geneva, OH; Constance “Con” Peltier of Smyrna, GA; William “Bill” (Pat) Douglass of Geneva, OH; Russell “Rusty” (DWanna) Douglass, of Jefferson, OH; Scott (Sandy) Douglass of Rancho Bernardo, CA; grandchildren: Michael (Jodi) Sonstein, Mark (Sharon) Sonstein, Morgan (Magdalena) Peltier, Paige (Steven) Freeman, Trisha (Christopher) Dodd, Benjamin (Katy) Douglass, Leslie (Kevin) Monroe, Russell (Jennifer) Douglass, William (Lindsey) Douglass, Amy Douglass, Dianne Douglass and fifteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeanne, former wife, Winifred; his sister, Elizabeth Ann Munves, and a grandson.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at The Sanctuary of Geneva for their loving care and compassion as well as a special thank you to Tridia Hospice of Austinburg, OH.

Calling hours will be held 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Jefferson Congregational Church, 41 E. Jefferson Street, Jefferson, OH 44047. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery in Jefferson.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Behm Family Funeral Home.