Robert Douglas Mashburn Dorn

Robert Douglas Mashburn Dorn, affectionately known as Doug, was a beacon of inspiration, whose light ceaselessly shone on all who were graced by his presence. Born on October 2, 1996, in the heart of Temple, Texas, Doug's journey came full circle as he peacefully passed away in the same beloved town on July 14, 2024.

A celebration of Doug's life will be held at Heart Of Texas Gymnastics on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. You will be invited to share your favorite memories of Doug, visit, and come and go. Doug wouldn't have wanted a sad traditional service. He would have wanted his life to just be celebrated by those who loved him. 

Doug's life was a testament to the power of dedication and the beauty of nurturing talent. A proud 2015 graduate of Belton High School, he carried the torch of his education forward, igniting a passion for gymnastics that would define his career and legacy. From the young age of 13, he began coaching at Heart of Texas Gymnastics, where he not only honed his skills but also shaped the lives of countless students with his mentorship. He was a decorated athlete, amassing numerous gymnastics medals that echoed his commitment to the sport. Yet, it was the 2008 Fort Hood Youth Volunteer Award, presented by Lieutenant General Raymond T. Odierno, that highlighted Doug's altruistic spirit. This accolade was a mirror to his character, reflecting a heart that found joy in lifting others and contributing to the community that he cherished so deeply.

Doug's life was enriched by the unwavering support and love of his family. He was the beloved son of Cheryl Cheeseman and stepson to Danny Cheeseman, who together provided a foundation of unconditional love. His Grandad, Barton Mashburn; brother, Joseph Barton Dorn; bonus brother, Jackson Cheeseman; bonus sister, Danielle Davidson, and grandparents, Joe & Sarah Dorn were pillars of strength in his life. His aunts, Beth Gardner, Cyndi Mashburn, Susan Hodges, and uncle, Jim Lechler and his wife Paige, added layers of joy and camaraderie to his journey. Doug's spirit will continue to be celebrated by his nephews, Lincoln, Little Jack, and Avery; cousins, Robert, Daniel, Melissa, Ryan, Riley, Andrew, Joe, Luke, Abbie, and Lucy. His father, Robert Rusty Dorn, and his Mimi Barbara Mashburn, though preceded him in death, remain eternally connected to him through the legacy of love they left behind.

Doug was a visionary who saw potential where others saw obstacles. His gymnastics students weren't just pupils; they were extensions of his dream, each a unique story waiting to be told through the art of movement. He believed in the transformative power of gymnastics, not only as a sport but as a vehicle for personal growth, discipline, and self-expression.

Let us remember Doug not for the silence of his departure but for the symphony of his life's work. His legacy is not etched in the medals he won but in the lives he touched and the confidence he built in each of his students. Doug's story is a reminder to all of us that our time here is precious and that we have the power to create ripples of positive change, one life at a time.

In every leap his students take, in every fearless tumble, and in every triumphant landing, Doug's spirit lives on, guiding and cheering them on. His life was a vivid tapestry woven with threads of joy, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his calling.

As we bid farewell to a soul whose life was a masterclass in passion and perseverance, let us carry forward the torch that Doug so brilliantly lit. Let us leap higher, push boundaries, and above all, lift each other up, just as he did throughout his remarkable journey.

 Doug's story does not end here. It is carried in the hearts of those he loved, the students he mentored, and the community he so profoundly impacted. His was a life lived with purpose, a narrative of a man who embraced each day with vigor and left an indelible mark on this world.

Farewell, Doug. Your chapter may have concluded, but your story will be told for generations, inspiring all who dare to dream and those who have the courage to pursue those dreams with the same fervor you did.