George Richard Douglas (Banjo), Albion, NE previous of Lincoln, son of George K. and Dorothy (Fushia) Douglas, was born December 23, 1931, in Lincoln, NE. Died June 4, 2020 at Boone County Health Center in Albion, NE. He was a lifetime member of Southern Heights Presbyterian Church in Lincoln.
He graduated from College View High School in Lincoln in 1951. George was drafted into the United States Army, November 1951. He went to Korea in April 1952. He spent most of his time on Koje Do Island guarding P.O.W.’s. He was honorably discharged on October 28, 1953. George was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Pickering on February 19, 1954 at College View Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, NE and was married for 65 years.
George worked for Latsch brothers from 1953-April 1954, and then was hired by the Lincoln Fire Department and retired in December 1984. After retirement he did remodeling, woodworking, turning lathe moldings and duplicating antique furniture in his garage.
His hobbies included playing the cornet in high school and after his retirement started to play the banjo. George and his wife, Shirley loved traveling to Blue Grass festivals during the summer, playing with groups in Lincoln and performing at local nursing homes.
George was a member of College View Masonic Lodge #320 A.F. & A.M. Lincoln, NE, April 26, 1961. He joined the Scottish Rite on November 22, 1991 then joined Sesostris Temple Clown Unit of Lincoln, NE, November 23, 1991. He was voted clown of the year in 2005. He clown name was “Banjo”. He always said “If I can make a child smile, that makes my day”.
He enjoyed entertaining children as Banjo the clown during the Shrine circus, parades and at Shriners health screening clinics. He participated in many fundraisers for the Shriners.
Survivors include his five children, Richard (Elena) Douglas of Cincinnati, OH, Elaine (Ross) Hulse of Albion, NE, Michael Douglas of Bennet, NE, Dale Douglas of Milligan, NE, David (Alison) Douglas of Lincoln; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; brother, William L. Douglas of Hickman; sister-in-law, Norma Hackbarth of Des Moines, IA and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Shirley in February 2019.
Visitation: noon – 5:00pm, Monday, June 8.
Funeral Service: 10:00am Tuesday, June 9, both visitation and service at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel 3950 Hohensee Drive (SW corner of 40th & Yankee Hill Rd.)
Memorials can be sent to the Sesostris Temple Clown Unit 1050 Saltillo Road Roca, NE 68430
Due to a power outage, we are unable to provide a recording for the service of George Douglas.
We apologize for this inconvenience. Thank you-