John R. Doherty

John R. Doherty, age 66, of Paola passed away April 11, 2014 at his home. He was born on December 26, 1947 in Paola, Kansas to Earl and Pearl Debrick Doherty. He attended Lone Star country school and Paola High School graduating in 1965. He also attended and was confirmed at the First Lutheran Church of Paola. He belonged to the Progressive 4-H club. John joined the National Guard in 1965 after high school and was sent to Vietnam and served for one year. After returning home he attended and graduated from Emporia State University in 1974. On May 25, 1974 John was united in marriage to Christie Walters in Paola and became the parents of two children, son Sean and daughter Kellie. He enjoyed watching them play in sports. John was employed for Pemco Construction for several years and then returned to farming with his father. Later he was employed at Doherty Steel Company until his failing heath caused his retirement. John belonged to the American Legion and was a lifetime member of the VFW. Surviving are his wife Christie, daughter Kellie Doherty, son Sean Doherty, sisters Barbara Wills and Kathy Nelson, brothers Bob and Richard Doherty, and his mother Pearl Doherty. He was preceded in death by his father. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Memorials may be made to ALS (Lou Gehrig"s disease). To share a memory of John or leave a special condolence for the family of John please click the share memory tab. First Luthern Church Service: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 4:00 PM Visitation: No Visitation