Doug W. Hissong was born and grew up in Ohio, and received his Masonic degrees in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1973. From 1974-78, he was active at a lodge in Columbus, Ohio. After moving to Houston, Doug affiliated with Gray Lodge in 1986, and served as Chaplain before becoming Treasurer.

Doug has worked as a chemical engineer for Batelle Columbus Laboratories for four years and for ExxonMobile for 37 years, being currently employed by ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company. Doug and his wife Barbara are members of Bluebell Chapter No. 856 O.E.S. They have three sons.