Douglas Eugene Vrabel

Douglas Eugene Vrabel returned to his heavenly home on May 5th, 2021. Doug’s devotion to his family, friends, and his firm and unwavering belief in God supported him throughout his struggles, and has now guided him to an eternity at peace.

Douglas is survived by his mother Valerie Zett Vrabel; his wife, Susan Vrabel; his son Alex Vrabel; his brother and sister Rick Vrabel and Laurie Lee; his sister in law and brother in law, Stephanie Vrabel and Everett Lee; his son and daughter, Kristopher Kinney, and Emilee Wertz. His daughter and son in law, Kristen Kinney, and Shea Wertz.  Along with many nieces and nephews; Amanda and Thomas Little, Everett Lee, Nicholas Lee, Tanner Vrabel, Rett Lee and Shelby Lee.  Especially close to his heart, his grandchildren, Kinzley Vrabel, Reed Wertz, Keelyn and Kash Kinney, who will dearly miss their “Pa Pa,” and great niece and nephew; Bowen and Maisyn Little. Doug is predeceased by his father Louis V. Vrabel, and his brother Patrick J. Vrabel.

Douglas was born to his father Louis V. Vrabel, and his mother Valerie Z. Vrabel, on April the 19th 1958. Even though he was born in Taylor, Texas, Doug spent his childhood days on Beckett Street in Austin, where he and his friends would spend time outdoors, hunting and fishing on the Brushy Creek and San Gabriel River. Doug was a friend to anyone who met him and that carried through in all facets of his life. Doug attended St. Louis Catholic School, and Lanier High School in Austin. After graduating high school he attended Southwest Texas State University where he obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree in Agricultural Education. Following his graduation from Southwest Texas State University, Doug began his work as an Agricultural Science Teacher at Pflugerville High School. Here he taught for 26 years, and shaped the minds of countless students. As a teacher, Doug had a passion for inspiring young students and watching their achievements as they grew into adults. If you were to ask Doug what his favorite part of his job was, he would tell you that it wasn't just his job it was his life. He had the strongest passion for teaching young adults and watching them grow into their future selves. Doug continued his teaching career at Hutto High School in Hutto, Texas where he retired after 31 years. Even though Doug retired from teaching he was far from leaving his students. He continued to follow them throughout their lives. Doug continued his support for the youth of Travis and Williamson County through his volunteer efforts with the Taylor Rodeo Association, Austin Rodeo Association, and Williamson County Livestock Association. Following his teaching career, Doug worked and managed a grainery in Lund, Texas and continued his passion for agriculture when he was hired with the USDA/NASDA. At NASDA Doug worked as a field enumerator where he collected field samples, and performed surveys with local farmers in the area.

In December of 2014, Doug married the love of his life Susan. The love and admiration that Doug and Susan share with each other is an eternal love that will never end. Together they resided in Liberty Hill, Texas where they enjoyed spending their time dancing, and enjoying their home. Doug loved hunting, fishing and caring for his cattle. Doug never met a stranger, his conversations always started with “long story short”, this only meant you should pull up a chair because it was going to be awhile.

One of his largest passions in life was helping others. In 1990, Doug's brother Rick was diagnosed with Leukemia.  Doug gave Rick the ultimate gift, the gift of life when he donated his bone marrow to his brother. He truly lived his life in such a way that placed others before him, and his family was his top priority. In his free time Doug enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren Keelyn and Kash, and his great nephew and niece Bowen and Maisyn.

A visitation will be held to celebrate Douglas' life on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at the Providence Funeral Home chapel in Taylor, Texas, from 10:00 am - 11:00am. A Christian Service will be held following the visitation, beginning at 11:00am.

The family wanted to give special thanks to the outstanding staff of St. David's South Austin Hospital for their excellent care and dedication to Doug.

In lieu of flowers, Doug would have wanted to present memorial donations to the Williamson County Livestock Association or the Texas FFA Foundation.  A cause that was deeply close to his heart. Please send a check payable to WCLA or visit MyTexasFFA.org and choose the donation page.

Below you can find the methods in which to make a donation in the memory of Douglas E. Vrabel.

WCLA Scholarship Fund:

Please make checks payable to WCLA

P.O. Box 530

Georgetown, Texas 78627

Texas FFA Foundation:

Donation Form (donorperfect.net)