Gene Joseph Dougherty of Fairview, Texas passed away on November 25, 2015 at the age of 86. He was born on September 15, 1929 to Gene Joseph and Pearl (Lyall) Dougherty in Phoenix, Arizona. Gene met Nancy Jane Hardin on a blind date and promised to marry her one day. Gene and Nancy did marry on Valentine's Day 1954 in San Angelo, Texas and they enjoyed 61 years together. Gene proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a B29 fighter pilot during the Korean conflict. His love of flying and interest in airplanes always held a special place in his life. He graduated from Texas Tech University in the class of 1958 and continued as a lifelong fan of his Red Raiders. Gene worked for Container Corporation of America from his graduation until he retired 35 years later. He began as a travelling salesman and worked his way up to Vice President. Gene's career took his family on a journey from Texas to North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, California, and ultimately back to settle in Texas. Through all his moves, Gene relied on the Catholic Church to be a constant in his life. His final place of worship was St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen, Texas.
Gene is survived by the love of his life, Nancy Dougherty of Fairview, Texas; daughters, Kelly Brown and husband Bert, Jamie Bevan and husband Paul all of Lucas, Texas; grandchildren, Alex Brown, Tyler Bevan, Nick Brown, Max Bevan, Riley Bevan; brother, Barry Dougherty and wife Andrea of Michigan; sisters, Adair McCook and husband Jay of Alabama, Patricia Barrett of Arizona.
He has now been joyfully reunited with his beloved daughter, Dru, and his adored sister, Elizabeth Coelho.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 7, 2015 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N Greenville Ave, Allen, Texas. A reception will follow.
The family requests donations in Gene's memory be sent to the Alzheimer's Association Greater of Dallas, 3001 Knox St., Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75205 or St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N Greenville Ave, Allen, Texas 75002.