Woodrow "Woody" Dugas

Woodrow “Woody” Dugas, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. Woody was born in Rayne, Louisiana, on January 19, 1946. His Louisiana roots were woven into the fabric of who he was—his love of family, his faith, his generous spirit, and his appreciation for Cajun music and life. Woody was a graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School, and a long-time resident of Vidor, Texas. He proudly served with the Knights of Columbus, dedicated countless hours to local election polls, and lived his faith through service, kindness, fellowship, and love for others.

His faith was an important part of his life, and he leaves behind a legacy of faith and love that will continue through the generations of his family. Woody worked as a welder at the paper mill in Evadale, Texas, and retired from Mead Westvaco. He was known by most as a man who could fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed Cajun and zydeco dancing and found a special peace working with horses.

Those who knew him will always remember his wonderful smile, his unmistakable jolly laugh, and his gentle disposition. Woody leaves behind a family who was his greatest pride and joy and who was blessed to call him husband, Daddy, Pawpaw, brother, and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Dugas, along with his children and their families: Tanya and Herman Jenkins, grandchildren Jessica Russell and Jackie Yates; Tina and Andy Marshall, grandchildren, Alexis (Aaron) Jarrell, Noah (Melanie) Simpson, JC (Grace) Marshall, and Hayleigh Marshall; Tracy and Paul Boudreaux, and grandchildren, Isabella Boudreaux, Dina Boudreaux, Alvert Boudreaux, and Kimberly Morgan; Mark LeDoux and Bryan Carr, grandchildren, Ariana Carr, Emma Carr, Beaux LeDoux, and Brock LeDoux; Tera and Oliver Ryan, grandchildren, Nora Ryan and Landry Ryan; and Rodney and Cindy Simpson. Woody was blessed with 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Elia Dugas; sisters, Bettylou Haynes and Dorothy Lynn; and his beloved granddaughter, Rhiannon Morgan.

Woody’s family will forever be grateful for the life God gave them with him. They will carry him in their hearts, speak his name with love, and hold tightly to the faith that one day they will be together again. We know Woody is smiling down on all of his family from Heaven, probably with that jolly laugh of his, and dancing a little Cajun fais do-do.

A visitation in Woody’s honor will be held on October 1, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, Texas. A Mass will be celebrated on October 2, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Helen Catholic Church, 8105 FM 1442, Orange, Texas. Inurnment will be held at Memory Gardens in Nederland, Texas on October 2, 2026, at 2:00 pm. The family request that everyone join them in wearing red to honor Woody.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the American Heart Association.