Patricia Douglass (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Patricia Rae Douglass was born October 28, 1960 in Davenport, Iowa, to William C. and Frieda Lewis Stewart. She departed this life Monday, July 21, 2025 at Cox Health Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri at the age of sixty-four years, eight months and twenty-four days of age.
Patty, as she was known by everyone, moved with her family to Lebanon, Missouri early in her life and was a graduate of Lebanon High School in the class of 1978. She worked at H.D. Lee for a time before going to Broadcasting School.
Patty knew being a broadcast journalist was her calling and began her career at KCLQ radio in Lebanon. Her next step was at 106.7 and U.S. 97 in Springfield, Missouri before returning to Lebanon in the mid 1990’s to join KJEL. She was the “Voice of Lebanon” for over thirty years, and was known to her listeners as Patty Burns.
Patty served as news director at KJEL and quickly became a dedicated community supporter to the people of Lebanon and Laclede County. She covered city council meetings, county commissioner meetings, community events, school board meetings, all things going on in the KJEL listening area. Her passion to reporting the news and being a part of many community events will be remembered for years to come.
Patty is preceded in death by her parents, William and Frieda; three sisters, Leona Nutter, Marcy Long and Ginger Gibbs; and two brothers, William Stewart and Roger Stewart.
She is survived by her daughter, Cherie Giliberto and her husband Paul of Lebanon, Missouri; her son, Darrell Burns of Sedalia, Missouri; two sisters, Melissa Schaubroeck of Lebanon, Missouri and Beverly Sien of Lebanon, Missouri; three grandchildren, Trinity Carroll, Natalie Tabor and Zachary Giliberto; a number of nieces and nephews and many, many friends and faithful listeners.
Patty volunteered and assisted any way she could for organizations throughout the county. She was especially fond of “Earth Day” and “Community Cares”. Patty was also active in the Phillipsburg Community.
She was a kind and giving woman and was always willing to help. She was respected not only by her peers, but her thousands of listeners who depended on her every day to report the area news in a fair and honest context.
She enjoyed rock and roll music and of course, country music. She was passionate about her career, her community, and a good, loyal friend to many.
Above all, Patty was so very proud of her family and her three precious grandchildren. Her loss will leave a tremendous void for her family and community, but her legacy she leaves will be remembered for years to come.
The community is invited to a potluck-style dinner at the VFW Post 4107 building following the service.
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?