LTC. (Ret) Henry A. Douglas, aged 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born on April 8, 1934 in Roanoke, Virginia to Arthur H. Land and Inez Witt, Henry was raised in Kentucky by his mother and step-father, Conlee Douglas. He attended the University of Kentucky where he played basketball and was enrolled in the United States Army ROTC program. Henry married the love of his life, Mildred F. Campbell on June 26, 1955, in Sharpsburg, Kentucky. Together, they adopted four children, three sons and a daughter.
Henry served honorably for over 21 years in the United States Army including command of both infantry and rotary wing aviation units with service including multiple tours in Korea and Vietnam. He was a Purple Heart recipient and was awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Upon his military retirement; Henry, Mildred, and their children settled in the Colorado Springs area where he began a second career with Walter Drake.
An avid nature lover, Henry was passionate about wildlife. Anyone who knew him surely remembers his daily routine of feeding the birds that visited his home. Ultimately, Henry changed the migratory pattern of the Canadian snow geese in the area due to the plentiful cracked corn and feed that he spread on his property for them. He had a contagious smile and laugh and enjoyed sharing stories from his life with anyone that wanted to listen. Affectionately known as “Pappo,” Henry was an incredible father and grandfather spending summers traveling and camping with his family, visiting museums to foster a curiosity for science, history, and nature, and instilled character building qualities of responsibility, hardworking, and self-discipline in his children and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mildred and son Charles (Kim). Henry is survived by his daughter Theresa “Terri” Parsram, and sons Matthew (Rose) and Mark (Aimee), a younger sister Anne Lanier, grandsons Tony Parsram (Angela), David Parsram (Deborah), granddaughter Diana Parsram, and four great-grandchildren Dempsey, Dominic, Danielle, and Barrett Henry Parsram. Additionally, he is survived by numerous extended family members and life-long friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, January 17th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Reception to follow at 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 S. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Burial will be at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Contributions may be made as a “Tribute Gift” online at https://alzfdn.org/donate/
Deborah Cook (Cannon)
11 Jan 2025I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad and such great man. I grew up around his family. He had a kind and gentle soul. I know he will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace Sir.
Anne Douglas Lanier
11 Jan 2025To my brother, Henry, of whom I am so proud and love beyond any space ship can fly, I want to say, I will miss for the rest of my life. Henry was a man who stood on his own twò feet and declared his wants then went forward to make them happen. Henry had his hand in helping to raise me. Both parents working Henry was there to take up the slack. He taught me many things, how to ride a horse, how to drive a tractor and a flat-bed truck. Also how to help plant tobacco. So many things, which are too many to list here, but brought to life many things you cannot learn in a classroom. Henry was nine years older than I was and I looked up to him as if he was my gold star from beginning of my memory until he went into Military and made a family of his own and I went in my own journey. Henry was loved by his family beyond any realm of life and he loved it. Henry follow the rest of your journey to your new resting place knowing you are loved and missed by those of us who knew you.
Steve Young
11 Jan 2025The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for LTC Douglas’ 21 years of distinguished service to our country in the Army. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Aimee Douglas
13 Jan 2025I feel honored that I got to have you in my life and I am proud to call you dad. I will always remember our dinners and a movie- mostly John Wayne westerns, the talks and stories you told me especially the ones of you growing up in Kentucky. I know in my heart you are happy and with God now. I will miss you and you will always be in my heart.
Mike Bernstein
13 Jan 2025Good by Henry, it was great spending time with you. Will always remember you.
Alys Hammer
13 Jan 2025I miss you poppop. You have always been the smile to brighten a room and welcome anyone with open arms. You are loved and deeply missed !
Kathy Shaw
15 Jan 2025Miss you Henry
You were a very special friend we had lots of good times together lots of memories. You are free now and with God. I will never forget you. You will always be in my heart. Rest in peace dear friend and God Bless.