Dennis G. Doherty

Dennis Gene Doherty, a beloved father, grandfather, brother and treasured friend, passed away at his home on July 12, 2023 at the age of 66. Born on April 10, 1957 in Paola, KS, he was the son of James and Helen (Miller) Doherty. Dennis was the middle child to siblings Robert and Lisa.

In 1975, Dennis graduated from Paola High School with all D’s, something that he was very proud of and never hesitated to share with people when it was brought up in conversation. During and after high school, Dennis found wrestling to be a sport which he was very passionate about. In order to help instill that same passion in young wrestlers in the Paola community, he dedicated his time and efforts to help start the Paola Youth Wrestling Club, which is still active today.

Starting at the age of 12, Dennis worked for his dad’s ornamental iron business that was, at the time, operated out of the shop next to their house in Paola, KS. Over the 54 years since, Dennis, along with his siblings and later his children, helped to grow Doherty Steel into the successful steel business that it is today. His work was one of his greatest passions and the relationships that he forged with his employees and other leaders in the industry were very dear to his heart.

Whether he was in a tree stand right here in Paola hunting white tail deer or going after bigger game across the world, hunting was something that he took great joy in. He enjoyed sharing this passion with his children, friends, and colleagues and the memories and kinship created during these times are countless. Dennis also enjoyed spending time on a motorcycle and did so frequently for many years. His last ride, the first in a number of years, came the day before his passing.

In his later years, Dennis enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, usually teaching them slightly inappropriate words, phrases, or songs, all of which the kids always found wildly hilarious. In addition to spending time with family, he also began collecting modern muscle cars that he was incredibly proud of and you could find him driving one of them, cowboy hat and all, on a regular basis.

Dennis had a larger-than-life personality that left a lasting impression on anyone who was lucky enough to have known him. Almost everyone he knew could likely share a personal story highlighting his orneriness, grand story telling skills, and love for living life to its fullest. It was not uncommon for him to brag on his children as they were his pride and joy and he considered them his life’s greatest achievement. He was a man of his word who was steadfast in his values and beliefs and although he could come across as having a tough exterior, he had a huge heart. His dedication to the construction industry, the Paola community, and to his family and friends will be greatly missed.

Dennis is survived by his children Jake Doherty, Chase Doherty and wife Denise, Chelsie Doherty, and Chance Doherty and wife Chelsea; their mother, Sherry Doherty; his grandchildren, Maddex, Brooks, Quinnlyn, Braeden, and Addalyn Doherty; his brother Robert Doherty; his sister Lisa (Pete) Stephen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen (Miller) Doherty.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 19th at 10:00am at Living Proof Church, 32401 Harmony Road, Paola, Kansas.

Family will greet friends from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesday, July 18th at Living Proof Church, 32401 Harmony Road, Paola, Kansas.

Internment will follow the funeral service at the Paola Cemetery, Paola, Kansas.

Family invites friends to gather after the internment for food and drinks to celebrate Dennis at Town Square Paola, 15 West Wea Street, Paola, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorial contributions be made to Lakemary (LakemaryDonations) https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=Lakemary&id=27 or USD 368 Endowment Fund (USD368Endowment) https://bit.ly/endowment40year (enter Dennis Doherty in recipient field).

Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Denny's tribute wall.