Mervyn "Merv" Douglas

Mervyn “Merv” Joseph Douglas was born on September 18, 1929 in Woodbrook, Trinidad and was suddenly called home on August 27, 2020. He was proceeded in death by his parents Lionel Fitzgerald and Pearl Petricia Florence Douglas (Job), brother Dr. Pelham (Edith) Douglas of Switzerland, sister Joyce Martin (Douglas) of Florida, and sister-in-law Brenda Mae Johnson of Columbus, Ohio. He is survived by his wife Joyce Lane-Douglas (Johnson), son Roderick (Donica) Cheatham, brother Morris Douglas and sister Noble Douglas both of Trinidad, grandchildren Mercedes Fields, Jelani Cheatham, Jelanah Cheatham, Iyanah Cheatham, Tauan Jeffrey, Stephen Jeffrey Jr., Nishon (Christian) Schick, Tachelle Jeffrey and Jason Tyler, nephews Anthony Martin, Alan Martin of Maryland, great-grandchildren Laurynn Jeffrey, Marlon Turner-Cox Jr., sister-in-law Gloria (Eugene) Ward, and many other family members and close friends. Mervyn as his siblings called him was the oldest son and therefore his brothers looked up to him to set the course for life in many ways. He was a leader from an early age when he started at Nelson Primary school and later attended St. Mary’s College. He joined the Cadets and worked his way up to the rank of Major Mervyn J. Douglas out ranking his brother Pelham and making sure he knew it when he would order him to do drills. He continued leading by creating and severing as president of a men’s group in Woodbrook that is still active today. When the group divided years later, he ensured the two groups would hold an annual football game to show unity. Additionally, Mervyn had a great passion for educating the youth in his community. At age 19 he would go to the cathedral and teach Sunday school helping to establish a great spiritual foundation for many children that lasted for years to come. While growing up in Trinidad Mervyn made many friends and had established strong bonds with people from other countries including the United States. After many conversations with his parents and friends it was decided he would pursue opportunities in the US. Leaving his family behind Mervyn and his friend Frank Frazier joined the United States Air Force which allowed him to continue leading and serving. The Air Force ultimately sent Mervyn to Columbus, Ohio in 1951 where he remained until he passed. Merv told the story of when he arrived in Columbus, “the service sent me here, and when I got off the train the people were nice and the city was clean, so I felt like this was a great place for me to stay, so I did”. Merv established himself and with his great spirt and friendly nature he made numerous friends everywhere he traveled. The neighbors, Ross Lab where he retired, and even Kroger one of his favorite stores. The Kroger pharmacist would call just to check on him from time to time when he no longer did his weekly Kroger shopping trips. He loved watching the news and any sporting event, sitting and watching with a beer in his hand. His love for his lawn and his vacuum were a focus to be reckoned with. He found great joy in both, vacuuming daily and no one could cut or manicure the lawn for years. Although his last visit to Trinidad was for his father’s funeral many years ago and becoming a US citizen he always spoke fondly and often about his childhood home. Telling stories to anyone that would listen and encourage everyone to visit. Even offering to put them in touch with various people to show them his country. He always had a great impact on anyone that he encountered and Merv will always be missed.