Douglas G. Story, Lt. Col. (Ret.), USAF, and former Nevada R-5 High School principal, passed away peacefully on July 3 at Moore-Few Care Center following a brief illness. He was 96 years old.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Barbara, of the home; his oldest son, Christopher (Kristi) Story of Marietta, Georgia, and their children, Katie Story-Martin (Zach) of Fairway, Kansas, and Carly Brown (Ethan) of Kennesaw, Georgia; his younger son, Douglas Story Jr. (Julie) of Pittsburg, Kansas, and their children, Matthew of Norfolk, Virginia, and Aliee of Merriam, Kansas; his daughter, Jennifer (B.G.) Wolfe of Nevada, Missouri, and their children, Ross (Mackenzie) of Nevada, Missouri, Grant (Remy) of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Brynn of Mission, Kansas; and his daughter, Susan Beeman of Nevada, Missouri, and her children, Jeremy (Tara) of Baroda, Michigan, and Joseph of Chicago, Illinois. Douglas is a proud great-grandfather to 9 children, all who brought immense joy to his final years.
Douglas was born on July 1, 1930, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Casper and Julie Story. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1948. He was recruited by legendary coach Phog Allen to play basketball at the University of Kansas. Following his freshman year, he transferred to Pittsburg State University to be closer to his family after the loss of his father.
After graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1952, Douglas enlisted in the United States Air Force and reported to Ellington Air Force Base in Houston, TX. He attended pilot training, graduating first in his class. During his distinguished military career, he logged more than 6,500 flight hours as a pilot in a C-97, C-124, and a B-52. While serving in the Air Force, he also earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado, graduating with honors.
After many years of military service, countless miles traveled, and extended separations from his wife and children, Lt. Col. Story was ready for a new chapter. Upon retiring from the Air Force in 1972, he and his family moved to Nevada, Missouri, where he established the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Nevada High School. He continued his education, earning both master's and specialist degrees in education from Pittsburg State University.
After spending three years building the AFJROTC program into one that received national recognition for excellence, he became assistant principal at Nevada High School in 1975 and was promoted to principal in 1983. He retired for a second time in 1992 after an extraordinary career devoted to piloting both aircraft and the lives of young people.
Throughout his retirement, Doug cherished time with family and friends. He enjoyed watching sports, playing golf, traveling, and reading a good book. His wisdom, insight, integrity, and steady guidance were the hallmarks of his life and character.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Casper and Julie Story; his parents-in-law, Homer and Panzy Counter; his sister-in-law, Virginia Mansell; his brother-in-law, Richard Mansell; and his son-in-law, Mike Beeman.
A private ceremony with Military Honors will be held in the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS with Pastor Steve Russ officiating on Friday, July 24, 2026. Friends may call from now and until Thursday, July 23, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
Those wishing to honor Doug's memory may make memorial contributions to the Nevada R-5 Foundation in care of Ferry Funeral Home.
You may view the obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.
