Doug's Story

 When Doug takes his oath of office as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, he will swear to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State, so help me God."  He has sworn oaths like this one before -- both in military service and as a peace officer.  Doug not only believes in honoring the oath one takes, but has little use for anyone who doesn't.  

Douglas M. Earnest is a native Texan whose only time spent living outside Texas occurred during his Naval service.  He retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer, and joined the Taylor (Texas) Police Department.  Doug spent most of his time on the night shift before being selected as the department's only School Resource Officer.

He moved to Murchison in 2008 to be close to family, and now resides near Chandler.

Doug is a strong believer in education, earning both his Bachelors and Masters degrees through part time study while in the Navy.  As much as he values a college education, he believes it is an injustice to young adults to incentivize them to pursue degrees in fields with limited or no job potential.  There should be a greater emphasis on preparing for real life through technical and vocational training.

Doug is also a big believer in volunteerism and public service.  In addition to working at an inner city mission in Houston in his youth, he has also served as reserve police officer and  in five volunteer fire departments over the years.  He is currently a docent at the Historical Aviation Memorial Museum in Tyler.  Doug was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol, leaving (due to schedule conflicts) when asked to coach the Tyler Rugby Football Club. 

Thanks to his travels and many moves, Doug has been a member or frequent visitor to Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, and earned his degree from a Catholic university.  Instead of worrying about doctrinal differences, he sees his ecumenical background as a key to the development of his own Christian faith as well as enabling him a better understanding of others and what they believe.