Walter Douglas Thiele

Walter Douglas Thiele, better known as Doug Thiele, of Lexington, TX was called home by his Savior Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Doug was born to Walter and Teddie Thiele October 11, 1945 in Austin Texas.

Doug graduated W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi, TX in 1964 and soon afterwards, met Linda Garrett who would become his bride of 57 years. Together they attended countless rodeos, play days, and parades over the years with their horse trailer in tow behind a 1962 Chevy Impala (with a 300hp 327 and a 4 speed). As time went on, their focus shifted towards raising a family. He and Linda finally settled down in Hutto, TX with their two sons, Terry and Danny. Doug and Linda both faithfully served the community as members of the Hutto Lion’s club and the Hutto Volunteer Fire Department. Doug also served as the city’s fire marshal for a brief time.

Doug worked a number of jobs in his younger days then in the early 1980’s founded Diamond T Utilities & Excavation, later selling out to a larger construction company. While in business for himself he got to know the Christianson family who owned Christianson Plumbing. He accepted a position there in February of 1989 and continued until his retirement in January, 2019.

With their boys grown and out on their own, Doug and Linda left Hutto and purchased a horse farm near Granger, TX where once again they were able to rekindle the flame of love for horses. They were overflowing with joy when that first baby horse was born! They went on to raise several more fine Western Pleasure horses with hopes to begin showing locally. Plans shifted a little and they decided to make a move to Lexington, TX to retire.

Doug was a very proud member of the Former Texas Ranger's Association and Foundation where together with Linda, they were always eager to volunteer and support the cause. You would find them both helping out at the annual gala as well as other events throughout the year. They loved dressing in their 1880's clothing and playing parts in re-enactments with the Old West Rangers.  

Doug Thiele was loved by so many and never missed an opportunity to help out someone when in need, always putting others before himself. Doug was preceded in death by; wife Linda and sister Sharon Hall. He is survived by; son and daughter-in-law Terry and Donna Thiele of Adkins, TX; son and daughter-in-law Danny and Tiffanee Thiele of Georgetown; sister and brother-in-law Teddie Kay and John Austin of Austin; sister Debbie Cummins of Austin; and grandchildren Cooper Thiele, Ryan and Arianna Thiele, and Chance Thiele.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Doug Thiele to the Former Texas Rangers Foundation in Fredericksburg, TX.

A visitation with the family will take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown from 1-2 pm, with the Funeral Services beginning at 2 pm. 

The graveside services will be held the following afternoon, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 1 pm where Doug will be laid to rest next to his wife, Linda, at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville.