Tommie John Douglas, Sr.

Obituary for Tommie John Douglas, Sr.

Tommie John Douglas, Sr., age 82, of Dayton, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2025. Born on November 12, 1942, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Tommie was the beloved son of Horace Benjamin Douglas and Ruby Childress Douglas.

Tommie called Dayton home for over 50 years, having moved from his native Louisiana. He graduated high school in Ponchatoula and after proudly serving in the United States Air Force he went on to have a long, accomplished career in the oil and gas industry. A dedicated welder, pipeline chief inspector, and eventually a construction manager with Paragon Engineering, Tommie’s work took him all over the world. Despite his travels, he remained deeply rooted in his faith and community, and most recently attended South Dayton Baptist Church.

A true outdoorsman, Tommie loved to hunt with his wife Darlene and grandkids and was happiest at his cherished home, "Twin Pines Plantation," which the couple built together. He found great peace sitting on the back porch, coffee in hand, admiring the land, pond, and wildlife. Whether riding his tractor with the grandkids or taking trips on his Polaris around his property or to go see Ol’ Charlie and Mrs. Karen, Tommie found joy in the simple moments of everyday life. Tommie also enjoyed going to Texas Kountry Kitchen with his family and good friend, Danny for a delicious breakfast.

After retirement, Tommie and Darlene fulfilled their dream of visiting all 50 states. When not traveling, they would often hop in the car to admire local yards and gather landscaping inspiration. Tommie enjoyed spending time with family, gathered around the kitchen table playing chicken foot, rummy, and spades. He was known for watching Goldie Hawn movies on repeat and had a special fondness for peanut butter treats and Blue Bell ice cream.

Above all, Tommie was a man who "worked hard and loved hard," as his family fondly remembers. His strength, warmth, and devotion left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

Tommie was preceded in death by his sons, Dwight Drake Douglas and Tommie John Douglas Jr.; his sisters, Louise Douglas Valenti, Ollie Mae Cangelosi Woodward, Earline “Doug” DiBenedetto; and brother, H.B. “Bud” Douglas.

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Lavina Darlene Douglas; his children Denise Douglas Daniel (Jarrod) from Houston, Texas, Lisa Cramer (Steven) from San Antonio, Texas, Heather Zarsky from Dayton, Texas, Tori Giese (Ryan) from Dayton, Texas, Benjamin Jackson (Julie) from Cove, Texas; grandchildren Weston Daniel (Sage), Zach Daniel, Alyssa LeVin Daniel, Cody Cramer, Katie Greak “Katie Bug,” Hunter Jackson, Kameron Jackson, Madalyn Jackson, Emery Jackson, and Conner Giese “Conner Man”; great-grandchild Wryn Daniel; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Kenefick Baptist Church. An additional visitation will take place Friday, May 9, from 12:00–1:00 p.m., also at Kenefick Baptist, with the funeral service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Palms Memorial Park in Dayton.

Pallbearers include Steven Cramer, Cody Cramer, Ryan Giese, Conner Giese, B.J. Jackson, Jarrod Daniel, Zach Daniel, and Hunter Jackson. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Boy Cangelosi, Russell DiBenedetto, Danny Lee, Butch Bean, Gordon Ray Bean, Tammy Bean, Kameron Jackson, and Weston Daniel.

Tommie will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, deep love for his family, and the quiet joy he found in life’s everyday blessings.