J Alvin Dougherty

J Alvin Dougherty peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at the age of 86. A graveside service with military honors will be at the Texas State Cemetery at Abilene, Texas on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

J Alvin was born on March 31, 1934 in the farming community of Newton, Illinois to John Alvin and Mildred Leone Dougherty. He was the oldest of ten children. He served in the Army as a paratrooper from 1952-1954. After 2 years attending Eastern Illinois State University, he entered the Navy to become a jet pilot, and on July 31, 1959 graduated from flight school. Janet Valerie Watts was his first and only love and he married her on August 15, 1959. As a Navy pilot, he was assigned to the USS Forrestal during the Vietnam War. After serving 20 years in the Navy, he retired in 1975, and moved to San Antonio, TX to pursue a career as a corporate pilot. He flew for Chaparral Charter Co. and the Welder Ranch of Victoria, TX.

In 2003, he retired from fiying and moved to Abilene, TX to be near his children and grandchildren. J was an athletic outdoorsman who loved fishing and taking his family and friends on trips. His humbleness and humor were his endearing qualities.

He is preceded in death by his father, John Alvin Dougherty; his mother, Mildred Leone Dougherty; and his younger brother, Max Dougherty.

J is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janet Dougherty; his five brothers: Harry Dougherty, Bill Dougherty, Tom Dougherty, Mark Dougherty, and James Dougherty; his three sisters: Darlene Kinder, Sue Songer, and Debbie Hartrich; his children: Dave and Laura Dougherty and Donna Zylberfuden and his grandchildren Nicole and Ben Zylberfuden.

The family wishes to thank the Veterans Administration of Abilene for their amazing support and Kindred at Home for compassionate home care. Special thanks go to his longest serving caregivers Debbie Calcote and Tracie Adkins who filled his life with laughter and comfort.

Condolences my be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.