Doug began carving when he was not tending to chores on the family farm. At 16, he shipped out on a Great Lakes freighter and passed the time during off-duty hours carving small figures. After graduating from college, he joined the U.S. Air Force and became a jet fighter pilot. He earned two combat decorations in Korea and again found himself passing time woodcarving. Doug later worked as an elementary and junior high principal. He was active in Boy Scouting with his son, and campouts often found him carving a caged ball and chain for the fascinated Scouts.

Doug served as president of the Southwest Woodcarvers and was a member of Arizona Woodcarvers, the National Woodcarvers Association, and Affiliated Woodcarvers, Ltd.

Doug passed away on July 9, 2025.