Paul J. (Archie) Dougherty of Beatrice went to be with the Lord, on Friday, January 13, 2023 surrounded by his family in his home. He was born on September 18, 1922 to Tom and Lucy Dougherty of Burchard NE, the 2nd child of 8 children.
In a high school play. Paul played the part of “Archibald Darby” The nickname “Archie” stayed with him the rest of his life to his family and friends. He graduated from Burchard High School in 1939. He served in the Army Air Force during World War 2 from March 26, 1943 to February 25, 1946. He was an airplane mechanic working on P38’s, P39’s and advanced trainers.
Paul’s charm won the heart of DeLores Rudder when he winked at her at a dance.
They were married on March 13, 1948, in Beatrice, NE and the next 70 years they were by each other’s side. Paul’s love and devotion to Delores provided an amazing example for all who knew him. They would raise 8 children: Caryn, Theresa, Rodney, LouAnn, Patrick, Janet, Pamela and Michael.
Throughout his life he held various titles as he provided for his family: refrigeration specialist, business owner and operator, grain broker, and sales associate. He wasn’t afraid of hard work and truly enjoyed staying busy, employed until the age of 91.
Through his masterful storytelling Paul brought friends and family together eager to hear a new joke or a repeated prank. Friends and family were not surprised that even at 100 years old, Paul shared a new joke with them.
Paul’s hobbies included woodworking, polka music and dance, tinkering with just about anything, fishing with the guys, boating with the family, enjoying a good highball around the fire and September 18, 1922 ~ January 13, 2023 spending time with family at the cabin. Paul lived life to the fullest, grounded in faith. Paul’s Catholic schooling, prayer books and intimate conversations of God and heaven with others, provided an immeasurable foundation of faith for his family. These gifts will leave a lasting legacy. Paul will be forever remembered by his five daughters: Caryn Bales of Fairbury, Theresa (Douglas) Cass of Rich Hill, MO, LouAnn (Roger) Dezort of North Platte, Janet (Steve) Faxon of Beatrice, Pam Snyder of Roca, two sons: Pat (Vicki) of Lakewood CO, Mike (Cheryl) of Gilead, 21 grandchildren, 51 greatgrandchildren, brother-in- law Johnny (Mary Lou) Rudder of Beatrice, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lucy Dougherty; wife, DeLores (2019); son, Rodney; four brothers, Melvin, Harold, Tom, Bill Dougherty; two sisters, Trilly Tegtmeier, Maureen Thibault; son-in-law Lewis Bales; grandson Aaron Cass.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Beatrice with Father Joseph Faulkner as Celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery of Beatrice. The body will lie in state on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, from 8:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. with the family greeting relatives and friends from 4:30 P.M. until 6:00P.M. at the Fox Funeral Home. A Scriptural Rosary will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the Fox Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. www.foxfuneralhome.net Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.