Johnnie Carl Dougherty

Johnnie Dougherty, a beloved husband, father, Pop, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, 2024, in Booker, Texas, at the age of 82. 

He was born on August 31, 1941, in Elkhart, Kansas to his parents Carl Vernon and Anna Jo (Hagelberg) Dougherty. 

Johnnie married Ruth Alice Cunningham on December 27, 1964 in Guymon, Oklahoma. Their love knew no bounds to one another, they were inseparable for 59 adored and loving years. They traveled many places together, one of their favorites was going to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo. 

With being a lifetime resident of Eva, Oklahoma, he and Ruth proudly raised their two children out on their own piece of paradise where they roped and ranched. He, Ruth, Kevin, and Shelley all graduated from Yarbrough High School, in Yarbrough, Oklahoma. His love and roots ran deep for his community of Eva. 

For over 20 years, Johnnie served with dedication as an integral part of the Texas County Road Department in Texhoma, Oklahoma, while simultaneously embracing his identity as a farmer and rancher in Texas County, Oklahoma, and Morton County, Kansas.

A proud veteran, Johnnie served in the United States Army, embodying the values of service and commitment both during and after his military career.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Johnnie had a deep passion for team roping. As a lifetime member of the United States Team Roping Championships and Coors Roping, he showcased his skills and formed lasting friendships at various roping events. He really enjoyed roping at the World Series of Team Roping's around the area, then qualifying for Las Vegas at South Point, that was one of his favorite ropings and times. He and Ruth loved all things Las Vegas in December. Alongside his beloved wife, Ruth, Johnnie cherished the memories made while traveling to roping and rodeo events, where they both enjoyed watching children and grandchildren at various associations. 

Johnnie’s proudest accomplishments were rooted in his family. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply. Johnnie won many saddles and buckles, and he gave each grandson a saddle that he had won for them to have so they can always have a piece of him. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Dougherty; son Kevin Dougherty and his wife Pam; daughter Shelley Field and her husband Russell; and five cherished grandchildren: Rachelle Haskanson and her husband Steffan, Sheldon Field and his wife Hannah, Samantha Cook and her husband Chandler, Shakota Field and his wife Hailey, and Jarrett Dougherty and his wife Ansley. He was also the proud great-pop to his great-grandchildren Charity, Maverick, Chris, Steffanie, Quinn, Emberly, Samuel, Silas, Kellen, Cooper, Steely, Hinsley, and one on the way. Among those who mourn his passing are his sister Becky Ellis and husband Leon; brother, Bill Dougherty and wife Debbie; his sister-in-law, Sandie Dougherty; and many other nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends whose lives he touched.

Johnnie is preceded by his parents and brother Joe Dougherty; father and mother-in-law, Oro and Charlease Cunningham, brothers- in-law Carl Cunningham and Charley Cunningham. Their memories live on through the stories shared and the legacies established in his family.

A memorial has been established for donors choice, in the care of Robson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 606, Elkhart, Kansas 67954. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 2 PM until 6 PM with family receiving friends from 2 PM to 5 PM and Monday, August 26, 2024, from 9 AM until 6 PM, at Robson Funeral Home of Elkhart. 

A funeral service to honor Johnnie's life will be held at First Christian Church, Texhoma, Oklahoma, on August 27, 2024, at 2:30 PM. Burial to follow at Texhoma Cemetery, Texhoma, Oklahoma.

Johnnie Dougherty will be remembered for his unwavering love, dedication, and the joyful moments that defined his remarkable life. His spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.