Kilpatrick Funeral Home Ruston, LA A memorial service honoring the life of Charles Douglas “Doug” Burt, 61 will be held at the Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 30, from 5-8 p.m. and services on Friday, July 1 at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Doug left this life for a much better life after a sudden illness. The Lord took him as he wished, sudden and painless. Born and raised in Shreveport, LA, Doug graduated from Byrd High School. He then went on to LA Tech where he received his degree in Commercial Art, later making Ruston his home of 40 plus years. Doug was a renowned, self employed commercial artist “Douglas Burt Sign Works”, in which he was recognized throughout the Ruston community for his beautiful craftsmanship in making hand carved and painted commercial signs for various businesses, one of which included the area's “Welcome to Ruston”. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Martha Burt of Shreveport. He is survived by his son Elliot Burt and his wife Tanya and his two grandchildren, Ethan and Macie of St. Charles, MO, his brother Gary Burt and wife Karen of Shreveport and his sister Linda Burt of Denham Springs, LA. He is also survived by two nephews, Jeremy and Jamey Burt of Shreveport. Doug had a love for country dancing, a joy that lead him to his very special friend and dance partner of many years, Mary Kate Tolar. Doug and Mary Kate competed in several dance competitions and became well known in the dance community. However, Doug's biggest passion in life was his passion for the Wild Turkey. Doug was elected to the Louisiana State Board in 1982. He was the longest serving board member on the Louisiana State Board. Doug was the ex-officio Board historian. During his tenure, he served as Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Board. Without a doubt, the position of Secretary was his passion, as an advocate for well-kept minutes. Over the years, Doug served on just about every committee of the State Board, including the Scholarship, State and Federal Projects, Wheelin' Sportsmen and Term Limits committees. He was instrumental in facilitating the success of the Louisiana Wild Turkey Festival held in St. Joseph, LA. Doug's artwork prints were some of the biggest fundraisers to generate money for the wild turkey. On the local level, Doug managed the raffle for the NWTF banquets, organized annual hunts on Jackson-Bienville WMA, and was the HUNT MASTER for the annual Jake's Hunt. Doug also helped create and run the North Central Chapter Wheelin' Sportsmen Hunt for handicap hunters each year in Ruston. In addition to the National Wildlife Turkey Federation life, Doug was an Instructor for the Louisiana Hunter Education Program. He was one of the Region II Hunter Education Volunteer Instructors of the Year in 2006, and was an active committee member for the Lincoln Parish Sportsman's Jamboree. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to the North Central Louisiana Chapter, NWTF, Post Office Box 691, Ruston, LA 71273. Doug will be greatly missed, but never far away. Next time that turkey gobbles, don't be surprised if you hear a gentle whisper behind your shoulder saying, “Remember, it is all about the turkey”! Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com