He graduated from Waverly High School in 1976 and went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in Welding from Southeast Community College. Later in life, he returned to school and in 1992 he graduated from Cheyenne AeroTech as a certified Aviation Maintenance Technician. Throughout his lifetime, Doug had many careers that included bull rider, ranch hand, farm hand, long-haul truck driver, aircraft mechanic, and quality engineer.
Doug’s adventurous spirit and inquisitive mind not only took him down many career paths, but also to many places both domestic and abroad. After his diagnosis in 2018, Doug and Mary made it a point to travel as much as they could. In a surprise twist to many who knew Doug as a tried-and-true cowboy, his favorite place to visit became Jamaica. In hindsight, it probably should not have been that much of a surprise given that he had started wearing his signature Hawaiian shirts long before he ever visited the tropics.
Doug was introduced to his wife Mary while they were both living in Cheyenne, WY. They were united in marriage on July 23, 1994 in Chappell, NE. Doug’s idea of “family” went beyond traditional definitions and he welcomed many people into his “tribe” over the years. He was known for treating and caring for nieces, nephews, and even his children’s friends like his own. Doug was innovative and creative, which often could be seen in his unique but effective DIY projects. Above all, he was known for being a storyteller and he could always be counted on to regale loved ones with an outlandish story that was at least half true. Doug’s laugh was infectious, his smile was welcoming, and he was generous with his affection, which endeared him to many throughout his lifetime.
He is survived by his wife Mary (Christie) Bundy; daughters Mandy (Matthew) Hansen, Lee (Jason) Ackley, and Lisa (Robert) Malloy; grandchildren Kirah, Kaden, Emma, Titus, Hunter, Camryn and Brexton; parents William “Bill” and Ardis (Weston) Bundy; siblings Mike (Sharon) Bundy, Lowell Bundy, and Mary (John) Baker; siblings-in-law Dorothy Kouba, Jon Christie, Teresa (James) Wood, Hildy Christie, and Judi Christie; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and chosen family.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts and uncles, parents-in-law Elton and Mary Jane Christie, sister-in-law Elizabeth Christie, brother-in-law William “Bill” Christie, and grandchildren Archer and Elouise Hansen.
Doug’s family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Creek of High Plains and Traditions Hospice, who lovingly cared for him in his final months.
Doug’s wishes were to be cremated and his ashes scattered in all of his favorite places at a later time.
A memorial service in Doug’s honor will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Roper and Sons Waverly Chapel in Waverly, NE.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Doug’s name. Two of his favorites were Matt Talbot Kitchen and Food Bank of Lincoln.