Douglas Gene "Doug" Glesmann

Funeral services for Douglas Gene “Doug” Glesmann, 94, of Pollok will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Don Savell officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in Houston National Cemetery.

Douglas Gene “Doug” Glesmann was born February 13, 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska, to John Henry “Jack” Glesmann and Dorothy Opal (Bricknell) Glesmann. Doug was the oldest, and he had 3 sisters, Barbara, Bonnie, and Jacquelyn. Doug’s mother died in March of 1940 when he was 8 years old.

On July 15, 1949, Jack Glesmann married Hattie Russell in Dallas, Texas. Through this marriage, Doug welcomed two additional sisters, Billie and Nora. The family soon moved to Houston and eventually settled in Pasadena. Around this time Doug spent a brief period with his uncle, Walt Glesmann, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

In January 1950, at 17 years old, Doug enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, graduating from boot camp shortly after his 18th birthday. Doug became a proud member of the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. During the Korean war, Doug was involved in historic engagements such as the defense of the Pusan Perimeter, Inchon Landing and the liberation of Seoul, the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, and the Chinese Spring Offensive of 1951. He separated from the Marine Corps in January 1954 with an Honorable Discharge and the rank of Staff Sergeant.

While stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Doug placed a telephone call that was answered by operator Marie Berrier. That chance connection introduced him to the woman who would become the love of his life. Doug and Marie were married January 31, 1953, lived in North Carolina until 1957, and then moved to Pasadena, Texas. Doug and Marie would have 5 children, Vicki, John, Susan, Dorothy, and Clarissa.

The technical skills Doug learned in the Marine Corps sparked a lifelong passion for engineering and surveying. He became a Registered Texas Surveyor and a designer. Although he never earned an engineering degree, colleagues often remarked that he was the finest engineer they had ever worked with. During his career he worked for engineering firms in Houston and Lufkin and was often chosen to lead the piping section, but he was knowledgeable in all facets of engineering. He knew his way around paper mills and chemical plants and used his knowledge and experience to teach and guide others, including other engineers. For a few years he had his own business, specializing in small engineering jobs and optical tooling, which is used in paper mills to align and level the large rollers and equipment.

Doug passed away peacefully Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of 94. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, humility, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family, his country, and his faith. Those who knew him remember a man who treated everyone with respect, never asked others to do work he would not do himself, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

For the last 38 years Doug and Marie have made their home on 26 acres in Pollok, Texas. Doug enjoyed solving problems, building and repairing almost anything, sharing stories, and spending time with his family. His happiest moments were often the simplest: sitting beside Marie on the back porch, watching the wildlife, and appreciating the peaceful country home they built together.

To those he loved, and to the Marine Corps he so proudly served, Doug lived by that one simple Marine Corps motto: Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful.

Doug is survived by his wife of 73 years, Marie; sisters, Billie Robbins and Nora Rufino; children, Vicki Flower and husband Bo, John Glesmann and wife Becky, Susan Glesmann, Dorothy Glesmann, and Clarissa Glesmann; 14 grandchildren, Sarah, Michael, Leah, Katy, Deric, Jacob Daehnke, Jacob, Autumn, John, Brittney, Caroline, Kelley, Ashley, and Mark; and 23 great-grandchildren, Camden, Avery, Decker, Cassidy, Emma, John, Aubrey, Ellie, Eden, Kadence, Charlie, Audrey, Austyn, Silas, Brayden, Blakeley, Ryley, Kennedy, Kirby, Noah, Nevaeh, Caleb, and Jace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 909 N Washington Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, or online at mcsf.org.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday morning prior to the services.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.