Funeral services for Robert Dougherty, 87, of Bedford, who passed away June 12, 2024, at Bedford Specialty Care, were held Monday, June 17, 2024, at the Bedford First Baptist Church. Visitation was held at the Cummings Family Funeral Home in Bedford on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Interment will be held at the Graceland Cemetery in Bedford following the service.
Robert Frank Dougherty was born March 25, 1937, in Bedford. His parents were Marion and Helen Ruth (Hatfield) Dougherty. Bob was the second of five children. He graduated from Bedford High School, and then went on to graduate from Tarkio College. He continued his education and received his Master’s Degree at NWMSU in Maryville, Mo.
Bob served in active duty in the U.S. Army for two years and the Reserves for four years, and then began his teaching and coaching career in 1962. He married Suzanne Anno in Forest City, Mo. on June 9, 1963. Bob taught and coached at Murray and Cumberland-Massena each for one year, at Bridgewater-Fontanelle for seven years and at Dunlap for 29 years. He was inducted into the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2000. Bob coached many sports through the years, but enjoyed baseball the most. He was a die-hard New York Yankees fan and a faithful Iowa Hawkeyes follower. He was a member of the Baptist Church of Bedford.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Marion and Ruth Dougherty; brothers, Max Dougherty and Don Dougherty; nephew, Jeff Dougherty; great-nephew, Brenden Dougherty; and cherished grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Suzanne; son, Dan (Jill) of Mapleton; daughter, Kris (Dave) Michael of Mapleton; and son, Pat (April) of Wheatland, Mo.; his grandchildren, Derek (Kendra), Tim (Carina), Ryan (Samantha), Aaron, Nora, Claire, Jack; and great-granddaughter, Hazel. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry (Ellen) Dougherty of Cross Timbers, Mo.; sister, Karen (Bill) Brown of Blair, Neb.; sisters-in-law, Donna Dougherty and Julia Dougherty; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
