George "Doug" Douglas West

Doug perished during the Leander Sandy Creek Flood, along with his Momma, Betty West, and brother, Gary Traugott, in the early morning hours of July 5, 2025 at the moment he sent his last text to his sisters. At 2:45am Doug's text read, "The house is almost gone. If we survive the flood at least there's that blessing."

When Doug was born, due to health problems that delayed his release from the hospital, he shared a baby nursey with actor, Ethan Hawke, who was born 6 days after him.

Doug was an excellent chef and musician, and although he was a very private and humble person, he was opinionated--yet open to other people's views. He was a very sensitive, caring person who loved deeply and had a great sense of humor.

Doug was employed at both Airborne Kustomz and JMC Aerospace as an Apprentice Airframe Technician and Composite Specialist where in 2006 they won a Charles Lindberg Award at Oshkosh Airventure for the paint job on an RV7 plane. In addition to his talents, while in the band Burning Love, he chose the name "Dougzilla" as his stage name, which many of his friends still refer to him as today. Doug had a 10 year stint with the band and was featured on the bass on all 8 songs of the only album the band ever recorded in 2003. He also played guitar at live performances.

Eventually Doug moved into his final role as his Momma's caregiver--a job he took a lot of pride in and managed extremely well. He carefully planned out her meals and worked closely with the doctor to make sure her numbers were always where they should be. He was a fierce protector of her and was always concerned about her welfare.

Doug's memory will be etched into the hearts of his siblings: sister, Sherry McCutcheon of Manor, Texas; sister, Terry Traugott of Manor, Texas; and brother Chip Traugott of Austin, Texas; Aunt Opal Lambert of Liberty Hill, Texas; Aunt Debby La France of Jarrell, Texas; also numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Doug was preceded in death by his Momma, Betty West, of Leander, Texas; brother, Gary Traugott of Leander, Texas; Daddy, George West of Leander, Texas; sister, Denise West-Cushing of Leander, Texas; nephew, Lee McCutcheon of Austin, Texas; as well as many others who have gone before him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 1:00pm, with Celebration of Life services beginning at 2:00pm at Glad Tidings Church at 16030 TX-29 in Liberty Hill, Texas. Interment will follow at Bagdad Cemetery in Leander, Texas at 400 N Bagdad Road. Services will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/5340063