Douglas "Bubba" Dornak

Bubba passed away on August 27, 2026, at 59, after a courageous five year battle. He was born February 1, 1967, son to the late Victor Emil & Mary Ann Zapalac Dornak. After graduating from El Campo High School in 1985, he met his future wife, Wanda Gail Dean. Inseparable for over 40 years, they shared 33 years of marriage and their pride and joy, Emorie Alexis Dornak. He is survived by his wife and daughter, Wanda and Emorie; his sister, Vicki Dornak Limmer; his niece, “Koochie” Tracy Yenawine Oldag & husband Donald; his sisters and brothers in-law Denise & Terry Stanphill and Dr. Dana Dean Martin & James; his nieces Jamie Limmer Appling & husband Tyler and Jordan Limmer as well as his great niece and nephews, Carly & Tanner Oldag and John Calvin Appling and one great-great niece, Malani Jae Oldag. He is also survived by his Aunts Bernice Buss and Norma Lee Treybig as well as numerous Dornak and Zapalac cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Theresa Ann Dornak Yenawine. There is also a sister Beverly Supak, nephew Ryan Panning and niece Kaylin Mach. Bubba was a life-long member of St Philip Catholic Church and graduated from St Philip School in 1981. After high school he went on to graduate from Texas State Technical Institute in 1991. He worked for Sears for over 34 years as a Repair Technician, which was appropriate because he could fix anything! He was a Boy Scout under Doc Drapela and could tie any knot and was a master of everything outdoors. He was a life-long fisherman. Whether it was at the gravel pit, the bay, the beach or any body of water he could drop a line in, he was geared up for it with the appropriate watercraft, rod, reel and equipment. He especially loved Carancahua Bay where he loved to throw washers and gather around a fire with the Lewis Estates crew. Bubba was an avid sports fan and he & Emorie shared a love for Astros baseball. He also loved his Texans football. An Oiler’s fan at heart, he was one of the first to purchase a seat and season ticket at Reliant Stadium. He was able to secure front row seats for himself and 3 of his closest friends that shared the same passion. From the team’s inception in 2002, he wouldn’t miss a game and tailgating with his fellow Battle Red Bunch members and traveled to away games whenever he got a chance. Bubba also loved to cook. He owned more pits, grills and gadgets than most people know exist and earned several awards at Elks and Bowling Alley cook-offs. He was a proud member of El Campo Elks Lodge #1749 and a founding member of The Bowlhemians bowling team. At an early age it was evident that Bubba’s health was not “normal”. He refused to let his life be defined by illness and most would not have known that staying healthy was a constant struggle. In his 20’s he was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of Leukemia. Finally having a diagnosis helped to establish treatment that would boost his immune system and allow him to live a full and wonderful life. After being diagnosed with lymphoma five years ago, it was discovered that he had an even more rare disease called DADA2. After enduring 2 rounds of chemo, a T-cell transplant, a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant, a broken knee, a liver transplant and receiving a new kidney, Bubba left this earth as the second oldest person to have survived DADA2. He fought with everything he had to remain with us and earn that distinction. No amount of time would ever have been enough, but we are so blessed that he was tough enough and strong enough and brave enough and hard-headed enough to survive through every medical impossibility until God chose to call him home. Visitation will begin 5 PM Monday, September 14, 2026, at Triska Funeral Home with a Rosary being recited at 6 PM. Funeral Mass will be 10 AM Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. Private graveside services will be at a later date. Honorary Pallbearers are Terry Stanphill, Donald Oldag, Tanner Oldag, Coyt Clark, James Martin, Kevin Dornak, Marc Zapalac and Jamie Zapalac as well as The Bowlhemians, Caranchua Bay Lewis Estates Crew and El Campo Elks. Special thanks to the staff at DaVita El Campo Dialysis and his medical teams at MD Anderson and Methodist Hospitals. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospitality Apartments of Houston or St. Philip Catholic School and consider becoming an organ donor. His wish was that instead of ever doing a balloon release, spread the word that “The balloons don’t go to heaven. They end up littering bodies of water and pastures, killing sea and wildlife.” Bubba D Hospitality Apartments St. Philip Catholic School online or by mail: online or by mail: PO Box 25213 302 W Church St Houston, TX 77265 El Campo, TX 77437

Douglas "Bubba" Dornak

February 1, 1967 - August 27, 2026

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Douglas "Bubba" Dornak

February 1, 1967 - August 27, 2026

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information