Douglas Lee “Doug” Bledsoe, 65, was born on Sept. 3, 1960, in Abilene, to Charles Lee Bledsoe and Martha Lee Oakes Bledsoe. He passed away on Feb. 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Doug graduated from Wylie High School in Abilene in 1979. In the early 1980s, he moved to Blanco, where he managed apartments alongside his mother. Hard work was central to his life, always ready to tackle any project- whether carpentry or building homes in the Blanco community. Doug served as a member of the Blanco Volunteer Fire Department before completing the police academy and becoming an officer for the City of Blanco. He later served with the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office and worked at Cox Paving as their safety officer. Ultimately, Doug felt most called to serve through the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office. He proudly served the City of Blanco Police Department and the Blanco County Sheriff’s office for 33 years and one month.

Doug was a loving son, brother, husband, father and Gramps. His family was his greatest pride and the joy that inspired his lifelong service. Doug was a devoted husband to Lydia, his beloved wife of 38 years. Their marriage was a testament to family, faithfulness, loyalty, partnership and enduring love, always side by side.

Doug and Lydia were members of Trinity Lutheran Church, where they served devotedly and formed lifelong friendships. Faith and community were central to their lives. Doug also worked alongside the Blanco Methodist Church Toys for Tots program. For many years, he helped gather donations, shop for, and wrap toys to be given to the children of Blanco. He also ran security for Vacation Bible School at Trinity Lutheran Church of Blanco. Doug’s deep enthusiasm for life and service reflected the values of hard work, honesty, and kindness that defined him.

Doug spent summers fishing and water skiing at his Nenaw’s cabin on Lake Brownwood, a tradition he continued with his own family. He had a great sense of humor, and his warmhearted presence was memorable to many. You might have known Doug by one of many names, such as Sarg, Richard, Dougie Fresh, Leroy, Grumpy Gramps, Douglito, Dooglas or Chicken Legs. Each name carries a story, and a reminder of the joy he brought to others. Doug will be remembered for his unwavering service to the community, and the deep love he had for his family.

Though Doug’s watch has ended, the legacy will live on in the hearts of his wife, children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Lydia Cox Bledsoe; his children, Amy Renee’, Curtis Rust (Ashley) and Kymberly Bledsoe Garza (Seth); and his grandchildren, Sevren (Jonnalynn), Coryne, Kacen, Everly, Caden, Adalynn, Stone and Slaten; and his Goddaughter, Chace.

Doug is also survived by his twin brother, Charlie Bledsoe; his sisters, Joyce Eastman and Janet Bledsoe; his stepmother, Eidie Bledsoe; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Lee Bledsoe, and his mother, Martha Lee Oakes.

A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church of Blanco on March 7 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Cox Cemetery. The family invites all who attend to join them for lunch following the interment at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blanco.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church youth program of Blanco.

We all carry different ideas about love, but true love begins with God. In Jesus, we see love made visible, and we learn how to love one another. As we remember Doug’s life and legacy, we turn our hearts to the Lord in prayer: God, I’m weary. Not giving up hope, just tired. Breathe fresh hope into me. Rebuild what feels worn down. Help me to see progress even if it’s small. Encourage my heart today. Amen

“To my husband, we’ve lived through moves and milestones, uncertainty and growth, ups and downs we never saw coming. Through every transition, you’ve been my steady. Not because life was simple, but because we stayed. We’ve learned how to bend without breaking. How to flow instead of fighting the current. How to rebuild when something ends. It’s you I want to stand by in every version of this life, in every season, no matter the storm. I love you, always.”