Dec. 13, 1929 - April 1, 2026
Remembering a man whose positive attitude and smiling face will be dearly missed! Doug O’ Kelley, age 96, of Schulenburg, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Doug was born on Dec. 13, 1929,in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Douglas E. O’ Kelley Sr. and Emily Smith O’Kelley. As a child, Doug lived many years in New York and Chicago, but some of his fondest memories (and many stories!) were from the summers he spent at his Nana’s house in Birmingham, Alabama. The family’s southern ties eventually brought them home to warmer weather, settling back in Baton Rouge. Doug played basketball at Baton Rouge High School, beating out the great Bob Pettit for the team.
Doug attended Louisiana State University, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. While attending LSU, he was enlisted in the ROTC for two years and served in the Army Reserve an additional four years following college. It was at LSU that Doug met the love of his life, Patty Jean Taylor. They were married on Aug. 21, 1952.
After graduation, Doug entered the oil and gas industry, working for Shell Oil Company. Later, he went on to spend 25 years with The Offshore Company, where he negotiated drilling contracts with oil companies all over the world. Doug and Pat maintained special relationships with their offshore friends, meeting them for dinner at Los Tios Mexican Restaurant in Houston well into their 80s.
Doug and Pat welcomed two sons into their family, Michael “Mike” and David “Dave” in the early ‘50s. While working with The Offshore Company, the family moved quite frequently – most notably living in London, England during the late ‘60s, before moving back to Houston.
During his career with The Offshore Company, Doug travelled the world extensively. Destinations included the Middle East, Egypt, Russia, Argentina, Venezuela, Singapore, Japan, Australia and throughout Europe. Pat was able to join him on many of his trips.
In the mid-1980s, Doug left the oil and gas industry and started a new career as a real estate broker in Schulenburg. They were both so excited to “move to the country.” This was the beginning of beautiful friendships with many wonderful people in Central Texas. Doug took pride in helping people find their special place.
Doug and Pat were active in the community. They loved the various charities and events in the area, including everything from library functions to dinners at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Schulenburg.
Their four grandchildren brought them much joy. They could often be found at Carrie’s dance performances, Kevin’s sports games, and Lisa and Allison’s sporting events and Grandparents’ Day events at St. Rose.
Doug joined his son, Mike, in the Tejas Vaqueros organization in 1998. His “friends for life” meant the world to him, and Doug is one of the few Vaqueros to receive all three respected awards – “Maverick of the Year,” –Trail Rider of the Year” and “Trail Horse of the Year.” In 2009, Kevin joined the organization - having three generations in Vaqueros served as a source of pride and gratitude for Doug.
Doug loved tending to his horses and cows, who were more like pets than livestock. He took great pride in keeping his place mowed and orderly. Lone Star beer was his favorite drink of choice. He often joked that there must be a hole in his can, because he was ready for the next one!
Music was always special to Doug. He enjoyed going to Sengelmann Hall and listening to live music, and later in life, he loved to tell “Alexa” to play his various favorite country songs or jazz songs!
Doug was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Pat O’Kelley. Doug is survived by his son, Mike O’Kelley and wife Terry of Houston; son, Dave O’ Kelley and wife Dion of Schulenburg; his grandchildren, Carrie Prati and husband Martin of Houston, Kevin O’Kelley of Houston, Lisa Pruitt and husband Ronnie of Comfort, and Allison Tuttle and husband Gene (TJ) of Los Fresnos. Doug was further blessed with six great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly – Jack and Kyle Prati, and Caroline, Barron, Olive and Kelley Tuttle.
Funeral services were set for 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg, with the family receiving friends beginning at 9 a.m., parish rosary at 10 a.m. and interment following in High Hill Catholic Cemetery with full military honors conducted by Schulenburg American Legion Post 143.
Memorial contributions may be made to the High Hill Church Restoration Fund, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of one’s choice. PAID