George Douglas Brandon D.V.M.

Local Veterinarian and community leader George Douglas Brandon, DVM ("Dr Doug") passed away August 24, 2025 in his home surrounded by his family at the age of 81. A cherished friend to many in the Vernon Parish community, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion and strength. Doug was raised on a small farm in Sabine Parish, Louisiana. In his youth he developed a passion for animal husbandry and was encouraged by his high school science teacher to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Veterinary services in the area during this time were difficult to obtain and people had to travel great distances to find help for their sick animals. Given this lack of access to veterinary care, he saw an opportunity to pursue a career in animal health while also being of service to his community by becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation from Zwolle High School as class valedictorian, Doug went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in animal science at LSU. In the 1960's no veterinary schools in Louisiana existed. After graduating from LSU, he applied and was accepted to Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, and the Auburn School of Veterinary Medicine. Doug chose Auburn and in 1971 he graduated with honors receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. After graduation from Auburn, Dr Brandon entered active-duty status in the United States Army and served seven years as a Captain in the Veterinary Corps. Duty stations included Fort Sam Houston, Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, and finally Fort Polk, Louisiana. Doug took immense pride in his military service. During his time at Fort Polk he provided veterinary services for many families and developed lifelong friendships in the military community. In 1975 while stationed at Fort Polk he met and eventually married his future wife Paula Teresa Johnson. In 1977 Doug decided to leave the Army to pursue his lifelong dream of opening his own veterinary practice. Brandon Veterinary Clinic in Leesville, La officially opened its doors in September 1977. During this time Doug worked tirelessly along his wife's side and spent the next 48 years building Brandon Veterinary Clinic into a practice that provided the highest quality of care for all animals. Doug raised three sons in Vernon Parish and was very active in the local community with the mission to enhance the quality of life within the area. Dr. Brandon served as Chairman of the Vernon Bank, Vernon Parish District 1 School Board Member, Past President of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, Fort Polk Progress Director and Chairman of the Sabine River Compact. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, Central Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, and the Auburn Alumni Association. In 2012, he was awarded the prestigious LVMA Everett D. Besch Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the field of veterinary medicine. Doug fiercely loved his family and lived a life marked by integrity, kindness, and hard work. He adored his wife and three sons. He cherished his grandchildren and no matter the circumstance, his face would light up anytime he saw them. Doug was a steward of the outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish. He loved working in his garden. The outdoors to him was a peaceful place where he felt closer to God. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel Victor Brandon and Joyce Clary Brandon; Sister Frances Brandon Buvens; Brother in law Rick Basham He is survived by his wife of 42 years Paula Brandon; his three sons Dr. Brian Brandon (Diana), Luke Brandon (Jana), Dr. Jesse Brandon (Amanda); his grandchildren Addison Brandon, Matthew Brandon, Leanna Brandon, Lucas Brandon, Bryce Brandon, and Brody Brandon; Sister Carolyn Brandon Basham. Pallbearers will be: Brian Brandon, Luke Brandon, Jesse Brandon, Dustin Brandon, Jerry Brandon, Matthew Brandon, Lucas Brandon, and Jon Duncan. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Scott Ursery, Jerry Ursery, Danny Cedars, Brody Brandon, Larry Johnson, and Malcolm Morris. In lieu of flowers family request memorial donations be made to the Walter J. Ernst Foundation. https://lvma.org/Main/LVMA/Walter_J_Ernst_Foundation.aspx