Douglas Leon Unger

Douglas Leon Unger, 87, of Silsbee, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, October 10, 2025. Born on September 29, 1938, in Palestine, Texas, he was the youngest of six children of Irene Ellen Smith Unger and Oliver Bernard Unger.

Doug retired in 2005 from MeadWestvaco Paper Mill in Evadale after twenty-nine years of service. Before that, he enjoyed a twent-three year career with Fox Photo, which reflected his lifelong interest in photography.

A gifted musician, Doug’s love for music began in childhood. He played multiple instruments—including piano, guitar, trumpet and dulcimer—led several church choirs, and possessed a voice often compared to Mario Lanza’s. His passion for music led him to the love of his life, Kaye Stephens, whom he first met while seeking a piano player for a new church band. Their paths crossed again a few years later at a church in Dallas, and their love bloomed. They married in 1958 and had four children.

Doug was a creative problem-solver and a true jack-of-all-trades. He approached every project with ingenuity, whether repairing vehicles or tackling home improvement. Though his methods were sometimes unconventional—like trimming trees with a shotgun or a rope and pickup truck—he was determined and resourceful. He built and refinished furniture for generations to enjoy. After his early experience on a tomato farm, he enjoyed growing vegetables, and his inventive gardening became a source of pride and conversation.

A man of deep faith, Doug instilled in his children and grandchildren the importance of faith, family, integrity and hard work. He was known for his kindness, humor and wisdom, and for teaching life lessons both practical and profound—whether it was balancing a checkbook, changing a tire, or maintaining a loving marriage, which he summarized as, “Bite down hard and hold on tight.”

Doug found joy in any time spent with family, from large “shindigs” to quiet moments with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cherished Kaye’s Southern cooking, especially in later years, when her meals brought him comfort and delight.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Kaye Stephens Unger; children, Jeffrey Unger of Silsbee; Jodi Freeman of Kountze; Kelley Moulder and her husband, Tony, of Silsbee; and Karen Maher of Smithville; ten grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his sister-in-law, LouAnn Unger of Waco; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Frances Evans, Oliver Unger, Juanita Mason, Raymond Unger, and Robert Unger; and sons-in-law, Marlon Freeman and Stephen Maher.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. Interment will follow at RS Farmer Memorial Cemetery, South Third Street, Silsbee.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Doug’s hospice team at Gentiva Hospice (formerly Hospice Plus), who lovingly supported him and his family over the past six years. Their compassion, professionalism and steadfast presence brought comfort, dignity and peace throughout his journey. Many have become family who have enriched Doug’s life and comforted his loved ones with friendship, laughter and heartfelt compassion. The family would especially like to thank the following angels on earth: Tiffany Trotty Eaglin, Tiffany Dill, Rachel Cobb, Kim Spurlock, Nancy Ibarra, Juanita Forman and Dr. Kahtan Kaissi.