Douglas LeRoy Relyea, a loved father, grandfather, brother, friend, mentor, volunteer, and tutor, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. Douglas was born on March 12, 1940, in Hackensack, New Jersey. He attended St. Thomas Choir School in New York City. At the age of sixteen, he graduated as valedictorian from St. Peter’s Episcopal School in Peekskill, New York where he continuously ranked as the top student in biology, French, chemistry and higher mathematics. He was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. He received a BS in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University in 1960 and a MS in 1963 and PhD in 1965 in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He was a member of Alpha Chi Sigma professional chemistry fraternity at the University of Illinois, and he helped organize the fraternity’s annual lobster dinner that continues to this day.
He began his 35-year career with ExxonMobil (then Humble Oil and Refining Company) at the Baytown Refinery in July 1965. At ExxonMobil he was a Project Manager, Engineering Associate and the Plant Utilities Specialist. Douglas’ responsibilities included working in the technical services department, the process engineering department and on the Baytown Cogeneration project. He was also an instructor in the Technical Service Practice School where he helped train new engineers. At work he often hosted lunchtime bridge games, and he was known for his passion for auto mechanics and furniture building. After his retirement in 2000, he went back to work for SNC-Lavalin (then GDS Engineers) and worked for ExxonMobil. After his official retirement in 2011, Douglas felt a strong desire to serve his community. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity as Construction Manager where he helped to build at least 30 homes. He later served on the Baytown Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors.
Douglas’ generosity extended to numerous organizations and causes. He valued education and he helped more than a dozen people attend college. In addition to his work with Habitat for Humanity, he also volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Boy Scouts and he served on the vestry as Treasurer for All Saints Episcopal Church in Baytown. He was nominated for the Baytown Citizen of the Year. Douglas was intelligent, kind, generous, hardworking, honest, moral, and he lived a humble life. He lived by the principles of loving unconditionally and giving to others when you can.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth DePuy and Ellanor Gismond Relyea; his brother Richard Relyea; and his son, Christopher Douglas Relyea.
He is survived by his daughter, Catherine Relyea Larson, and her husband, Curtis; his son, Shaun Michael Wicker, and his wife, Stephanie; eight grandchildren, Grant Larson, Andrew Larson, Alexandra Larson, Michael Wicker, Brandon Wicker, Kimber Wicker, Jake Palmer and Logan Palmer; his brother, Lawrence J. Relyea, and his wife, Linda; his sister, Verna Wentworth; his nieces, Nancy Relyea Narcavage, Dawn Wentworth, and Heather Relyea McGinley, and her husband, Chris; his nephews, Peter Relyea, and his wife, Samantha, Russell Relyea, Robert Relyea and his wife, MaryBeth, and Derek Wentworth and his wife, Holly; his cousin, David Chapman, and his wife, Traci; his brother-in-law, Stanley Bishop; his sister-in-law, Evelyn Relyea; and his godson, Eric Johnson. He was blessed by many longtime friends, including Glenn and Ann Reilly, Ed Mackert, Richard and Gloria Johnson, Lynette Relyea, Chong Stanaway and many Habitat for Humanity families. Douglas’ family appreciates all the love and care provided to him by his wonderful caretakers, Beth, Cruz, Penny, Juan, and Vivianna. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Douglas’ name may be directed to Baytown Habitat for Humanity at www.baytownhabitat.org located at 3900 North Main Baytown, 77521. Please visit Douglas’ online tribute at:https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/baytown-tx/douglas-relyea-9388160 where memories and words of comfort and condolences may be shared with his family.
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