Douglas Ramsay Semmes, Jr.

Doug went to Travis Elementary School and San Antonio Academy and graduated from Texas Military Institute (TMI). He received his BS in physics from Trinity University.

He early became interested in subjects not taught in school and he began a life- long pattern of finding experts in these subjects to teach him. He explored radio technology with the local radio repairman. Then, not yet in his teens, he audited a summer school class in radio at Fox Tech High School. He soon explored the growing of orchids at home. He would have a life-long love of plants, orchids in particular, and always had a beautiful orchid on display in his home.

Through another of his interests, horseback riding, he met his future wife Donna in Schertz, Texas. Soon after he met Donna, he spent several years at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico as a physicist in the missile program. Having developed an interest in pipe organs at an early age, throughout his life he led efforts to restore older pipe organs in several San Antonio churches. Over the years he and Donna enjoyed many pipe organ concerts. Doug enjoyed cooking and creating new recipes, often sharing the kitchen with Donna to cook holiday meals. His love of food and of small, family-owned, off-the-beaten path restaurants, was shared with his family on many occasions.

Doug was a successful businessman with a wide variety of business endeavors over his lifetime. He never passed up a good conversation about politics or economics.

He was a loving husband and father, who supported his wife’s and children’s passions for the arts, psychology, and any new interests they enjoyed. He was a wise and caring grandfather who shared Bible teachings and life lessons with his grandchildren and family. Doug was a deeply religious man. Throughout his time, he studied and explored various religious beliefs and traditions. At the end of his life Doug enjoyed the support of many old friends from among the clergy and new friends from among the Sisters and Priests at the Village at Incarnate Word.

Douglas is survived by his wife, Donna Kay Eason Semmes; his son, Mark and wife Windi; daughter, Laura Horlacher and husband Dieter; and grandchildren, Camille Semmes, Sabine Horlacher, and Franz Horlacher. Also surviving him are his sisters, Anne Stavropoulos and Elizabeth “Bebe” Waller and husband Clifford; and brother, Thomas R. Semmes and wife Patricia.

FUNERAL SERVICE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022

11:00 A.M.

LAUREL HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available.

Interment will take place in Mission Burial Park North. In lieu of flowers please give to The Village at Incarnate Word, KLRN or Laurel Heights United Methodist Church.

Click here to live stream the service of Mr. Douglas R. "Doug" Semmes, Jr.