Douglas Craig Hoagland was born on March 19, 1942, in Huntington Park, California, to Otis and Dorothy (Leonardson) Hoagland. As a young child, Doug and his parents moved to Norwalk, California. The family was able to travel often during his childhood, making many trips across the United States to visit family in New Jersey. Doug graduated from Norwalk High School in 1960.

During his high school years, two important events shaped the course of Doug’s life. In 1959, he committed his life to Jesus Christ and dedicated himself to serving Him and studying God’s Word. His desire to grow in his faith led him to a church where he met the love of his life, Connie Hudson. They were married in Downey, California, on June 23, 1963.

Doug attended Biola College, graduating magna cum laude in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Doug and Connie welcomed their daughter, Cathy, in 1966 and their son, Steven, in 1968. That same year, Doug graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, with a master’s degree in counseling.

In 1972, the family moved to Fountain Valley, California, where Doug became a counselor at Fountain Valley High School. He later became a science teacher, teaching Biology and Life Science. In 1974, Doug and Connie welcomed their son, Brian. The family was actively involved in Calvary Baptist Church of Huntington Beach.

Doug retired from teaching in 2002. By that time, he and Connie had four grandchildren, and Doug looked forward to spending more time with his family and traveling. They were able to take trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, New York, and many other places across the United States. Their family would eventually grow to eight grandchildren, who brought Doug great joy.

Retirement also gave Doug more opportunities to serve others. He became a Gideon and began ministering with The Gideons International. His love for God’s Word had begun when he was a teenager, and he wanted others to experience the life-changing transformation he had experienced in 1959. His passion for Scripture continued to grow as he had more time to study, and it remained evident in his life until the very end.

Doug was a kind, happy, and friendly man who genuinely enjoyed people. He was known for his faithfulness, wisdom, and willingness to serve. He loved his family deeply and treasured time with his children and grandchildren. His faith was not simply something he talked about—it was the foundation of his life and was evident in the way he served, taught, encouraged, and cared for others.

In 2007, Doug and Connie moved to Texas to be closer to Cathy and the six grandchildren they had at that time. They became members of First Baptist Church of Bastrop. When Connie was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, she fought a brave battle against the disease until her passing in 2016.

Throughout those years and after Connie’s passing, Doug continued faithfully serving others. He distributed Bibles with The Gideons, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, served as a deacon, and ministered in nursing homes. He remained active in these ministries until his final days on earth.

Doug went home to be with Jesus on September 2, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, kindness, and service that will continue through the lives of those he touched.

He is survived by his daughter Cathy (Greg) Sizemore, son Brian (Melanie) Hoagland, and grandchildren Leah, Elizabeth, Jonah (Kassie), Hannah, Faith, Naomi, Selah and Genesis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Dorothy Hoagland; his beloved wife, Connie; and his son, Steven.

Doug’s life was a testimony to his love for Jesus Christ and God’s Word. He faithfully served his Savior, loved his family, and spent his life pointing others toward the hope he had found in Christ. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A celebration of Doug's life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Bastrop.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Gideons International at https://www.gideons.org/donate.