1953-2022
Doug Bryan passed away May 9 after a bravely fought cancer battle. The ultimate healing came as he wished-at his comfy beach home, in his favorite chair, with his faithful canine companion, Penny at his feet.
Preceded in death by his parents, Captain Robert L. Bryan and Zena Amstein Bryan, sister, Sandra Bryan Dealy and niece Heather Lynn Dealy. Also of note are the dear doggy friends gleefully greeting Doug as he enters the pearly gates, (Sputnik, Tiger, Cleo, Big Mike, Biscuit, Hershey, and Honey).
Survived by his spouse of 42 years, Laura Sumrall Bryan, their daughters, Krista (Jacob Sloan) and Erika, grandsons, Benjamin Bryan Sloan and Miles Bryan Sloan. "Bonus" daughter, Winter Burke (Nolan and children Roux and Snow) Sister-in-law, Paula Sumrall Smith (Robert) and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
A native Houstonian Doug grew up in scenic Garden Villas where he honed his love of nature and animals while exploring the banks of Sims Bayou. At a young age Doug began collecting rocks, fossils, and reptiles, with his Go-Fund-Me earned at the back of a push mower. Starting with a boa constrictor, Doug’s collection of reptiles expanded to a wide variety of turtles. One of the best things in Doug’s life was happily sharing his reptile love with children. Many a now grown-up kiddo, still refer to Doug as Turtle-man.
Doug was actively involved in Boy Scouts-with his father. One of the highlights was a trip to the 1967 World Scout Jamboree in Farragut State Park, Idaho. The theme was friendship, and Doug kept that value at the core of his life. Overwhelming pride filled Doug’s heart to see grandson, Ben decked out in his tiger uniform. He was so grateful that Krista and Jacob took time from their busy lives to continue the family scouting tradition.
During his career in the hospitality industry, he was considered a good guy who treated employees with respect and fairness. (Just don’t be late!)
In retirement Doug found joy living at the beach. He filled days with woodworking, rock tumbling, and beach combing. During covid he and Laura would go on daily dates cruising Bolivar Peninsula and just enjoying each other’s company.
Doug was so fond of his friends. He loved his family and was very proud of his children. He would recommend that you tell your close ones how much they mean to you-preferably over a Whataburger, a James Coney Island hotdog, or a Mandola’s Deli Italian roast beef.
Doug would not want flowers in his honor. If so inclined, donations to the the Memorial Park Conservancy www.memorialparkconservancy.org or Houston Audubon Boy Scout Woods www.houstonaudubon.org would be nice.
A Memorial Celebration will be held on the beach to be announced at a future date.
12 thoughts on “Doug Steve Bryan”
Godspeed my sweet “turtle man”. The world will miss your knowledge and wisdom and I will miss my friend. I will raise my son proudly and teach him what you taught me. Forever cruising the beach in the sky in your favorite old truck. ❤️
All my experiences working with you Doug for over 25 years were quite memorable. He saved my life one night when a man held me at gun point and Doug was alert to call 911 and dispatch Dickinson PD to the scene to draw guns on the guy, he dropped his weapon and I'm alive today. Thank you Doug for everything including my life. 💘
I loved talking about guns, history, good whiskey and fishing with Doug. We quickly became friends after meeting at work. A friendship that withstood it all. God Bless you and your family Doug. You are a part of who I am. Go easy on the "SBs" on the other side. Till I see you again. One shot of mellow Jack Daniels going down.
I will miss Doug . He taught me about survival and what all I needed. He also gave good advice about financial services and this man loved his wife and daughters not to mention his grandson. Fly high Doug your family is in my prayers.
I was so bummed out to hear about Doug’s passing, Doug and I shared so many laughs at work on a nightly basis, he was an awesome manager and a great guy, always made the night better, his laugh would crack me up and some of the conversations we had were just funny crazy, he loved his Wife, Kids and Turtles thats for sure, I do some charity work for kids that have Cancer in Vegas, I will be sure and donate a special donation in Doug’s honor this year.
RIP Dougie Doug, you will be missed.
David Cagle aka DJ Nue-Wayv
Sincerely condolences. My thought and prayers are with all of you. Eddy from Belgium
There were quite a few nights I slept a few hours on the couch in my office because Doug would not let me drive home. And I thank him for that.
He was one of the nicest men I have ever known. . He checked in with Barbie frequently and she will miss him terribly..
We know how wonderful Doug was because of his wife Laura. Her love and devotion reflected what a fine man he was. I treasure the few times that I met him. As I read the remembrances from those who new him well, I see that he really was one of the nicest men you could know. Thank you, Doug, for this legacy of love..
Sincerely,
Linda C Elissalde
I have known Doug and Laura since elementary school, and he was always an upstanding guy. We rode dirt bikes on Sims Bayou and later Street bikes. Went camping many times. One time his dog got sprayed by a skunk while camping and they had a small compact car to ride in back home. Tomato juice does not work! Must have been brutal. They lived upstairs at a Duplex when we were in our 20's and we started our families, and he had a Pit Bull, I had a Doberman, had some great times. I hated that his illness took a toll on him way too soon. I know he is at peace now with his beloved Dad, Mom, Sister, and Niece.
I just learned of Doug's passing. We shared a passion for snakes and turtles when we were in elementary school and spent every spare minute on Sims Bayou or down in the "big ditch" at the park near his house in Garden Villas. My pet hog-nose snake (named Martin until she laid eggs and was given a change of names to Martina) once nipped Doug on the nose while we were riding our bikes. He had Martin draped around his neck, and she slowly opened her mouth and gently took hold of his nose, causing Doug to crash his bike into a ditch. Doug and Martin survived, but I nearly choked to death laughing. I remember when one of his snakes escaped a cage and hitched a ride to Gulf Gate Mall in the engine compartment of his mother's car. I think that adventure even made the papers. Our lives took different paths but we caught up on news at a couple of high school reunions. I remember a box turtle that Doug told me he'd had as a pet for about 30 years. That was Doug. We both passed our love of nature to our kids. Doug was a gentle soul, and he left too soon. All fond memories from Austin.
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