Former state Sen. Brooks Douglass dies at age 56
In a life marked at a young age by a tragedy that shook the state, Brooks Douglass forgave but never forgot.
"Ultimately, we have to move on — not forgetting our loved ones or forgetting what happened — and live our lives to the fullest," the former state senator once said of the murder of his parents in 1979.
"This is what I had to do."
Douglass will be remembered Friday at a memorial service in Oklahoma City. The lawyer, entrepreneur and world traveler died Saturday at his home in Texas after a long battle with cancer. He was 56.
His close friend, former Gov. Brad Henry, called him funny and brilliant, one of the most dedicated and passionate legislators ever to grace the halls of the state Capitol and a fierce advocate for crime victims' rights.
"During his time in the Senate, he authored and passed nearly 30 pieces of legislation designed to enhance victims' rights. And he continued his advocacy on behalf of crime victims for the remainder of his life," Henry said.
Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered flags on state property to be flown at half-staff Thursday and Friday to honor Douglass. "The senator's life stood as a testament to faithfulness and selfless service," he said.
His parents, the Rev. Richard Douglass and Marilyn Douglass, were fatally shot on Oct. 15, 1979, during a robbery at their rural home near Okarche. Brooks, then 16, and his sister, Leslie, then 12, also were shot but survived to testify against the two intruders.
"He has always been my protector and hero and like one of my best friends," his sister said. "And he always wanted to help people. ... He had a lot of impact on a lot of lives and wanted to be there for people."
After the trials, Brooks forgave the triggerman at the end of an emotional meeting in prison. He credited his decision to forgive as coming from "the hand of God."
"It was truly a turning point in my life," he said.
He was involved in two faith- themed movies about the tragedy and that decision, "Heaven's Rain" in 2010 and "The Amendment" in 2018. The second used footage from the first but had a new beginning and ending as well as other new aspects.
He was elected to the Senate in 1990 at age 27. An Oklahoma City Republican, he served 12 years.
His memorial service is set to begin at 11 a. m. Friday at Putnam City Baptist Church, where his father preached. Survivors include his wife, Julea, and two children, Brody and Cali.