Stanley Douglas Cadenhead

In Loving Memory of

Stanley Douglas “Doug” Cadenhead

March 4, 1944 – October 19, 2025

Stanley Douglas “Doug” Cadenhead, 81, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 4, 1944, in Clute, Texas, Doug lived a full and fearless life marked by grit, humor, and a whole lot of heart.

He was married to the love of his life, Susan, for 51 wonderful years. She preceded him in death just last year, and his heart never stopped missing her. Together they raised four children, Debbie, Mike, Nicole, and Shawn, who blessed them with ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Each one adored “Pawpaw,” and he adored them right back. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will carry his memory forward.

A true cowboy at heart, Doug was born and raised in Clute and Lake Jackson, Texas. He grew up loving the land, hunting, and fishing, especially coon and dove hunting, which remained lifelong passions. When asked once what his favorite leisure activity was, he replied without hesitation, “Coon hunting, fishing… and used to be fighting.” That about summed him up: tough, honest, and full of stories worth retelling.

Doug proudly served in the National Guard before traveling around Texas as a ranch hand. He later found his calling with the Texas Department of Corrections, now the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where he spent 35 years. His love for the outdoors led him to become Farm Manager of the 16,000-acre Ramsey Prison Farm. He was later promoted to Southern Region Agricultural Director, and finally Manager of Livestock. Friends and coworkers alike would tell you that Doug knew more about cattle than anyone they had ever met.

Standing an imposing 6 feet 6 inches tall, and even taller in his cowboy hat, Doug looked every bit the cowboy he was. But those who knew him best also knew him as a gentle giant, a man who taught his family to work hard, love harder, and never back down from a challenge.

He was a proud member of the Angleton Masonic Lodge #829 and a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros. He also shared a lively childhood with his four brothers, the infamous “Cadenhead boys from Kyle Road,” whose adventures are still the stuff of local legend.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Palms Funeral Home, 2300 East Highway 35, Angleton, Texas. In honor of his love for the outdoors and cowboy ways, boots and jeans are welcome. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Doug leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and hard-earned wisdom. He was one of a kind, and this world will not see another quite like him.