Donald Alfred Dooley age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 20, 2023. Donald was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Donald was born on June 18, 1930, to Alfred and Ruth Dooley in Denton County. Donald married the love of his life Joan Sikes on his birthday, June 18, 1953, at Highland Baptist Church in Denton. She preceded him in death on June 7, 2017. Donald was a faithful and devoted husband to Joan for almost 64 years. Donald was a dedicated family man who adored the love of his life, loved his children, and grandchildren. Donald lived his life devoted to the Lord, his church, family, and friends.

Donald was blessed to be raised in a loving Christian home. He accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior as a child. He was baptized at Highland Baptist Church. Donald and Joan were active lifelong members of Highland until her death in 2017. Donald served in various ministry roles over the years including that of Deacon. Donald loved gospel music and sang in a Men's Quartet over the years. Donald joined Southmont Baptist Church in 2018 and was a part of the Adult 3 Sunday School Department.

Donald attended Denton schools graduating in 1948. Donald proudly served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War receiving an Honorable Discharge. Donald was selected and traveled to Washington D.C. in 2016 on DFW Honor Flight #30 to be recognized and honored for his military service along with other veterans.

After returning home from his military service, Donald began what would be a long and successful career with the United States Postal Service. Donald started as a mail clerk then moved to substitute carrier working his way up through various management positions. In 1962 he became Station Master at the Post Office at then North Texas State University (UNT). Donald continued to excel in his career returning to the Main Post Office in 1978 in the role of Manager, Customer Service. Donald was known for being a man of integrity and strong work ethic. Throughout his civil service career, he formed strong bonds with citizens and local businesses in the community. Donald was loved by fellow post office colleagues who became his work family and lifelong friends. After 30 years of dedicated service, Donald retired from the United States Postal Service in 1985 at the young age of 55 years old.

Donald and Joan loved traveling with dear friends in their camper in early retirement years. Donald loved being outdoors. He took great pride in his year-round green lawn, working in his yard, and creating wood working projects in his shop. Donald could create just about anything from a piece of wood and a saw. Donald continued to enjoy his retirement years investing in a small car rental franchise with his brother-in-law, Keith. He worked part-time as a Funeral Assistant for Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home for several years and stayed active by volunteering in his community through the Denton Lion's Club.

Donald moved to Lake Forrest Retirement Village in 2018 and was welcomed by a community of friends. Donald was known for enjoying his nightly Cherry Vanilla Blue Bell on his patio and taking daily strolls around the lake in his trusted scooter. Donald believed, if it was not Blue Bell, it was not ice cream. In recent years, Donald was content watching TV western shows with his favorite of course being, Gunsmoke. Donald was a simple, yet profound man who was loved by many and our lives will be forever impacted because of his legacy.

Donald is survived by sons Jerry Dooley of Denton, Jimmy Dooley of Little Elm, Jeff Dooley and daughter-in-law Fawnda of Denton, daughter, Julie Travis and son-in-law Jim of Bells, Texas. Donald leaves behind a huge legacy in the families of his children with 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

In addition, he is survived by nephews Scott and wife Barbara Langford of Argyle, Texas, Richard, and wife Sandra Langford of Prosper, Texas and a large extended family.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Ruth, loving wife Joan, son, Marshall Joe Dooley, sister, Leona Langford, granddaughter, Jamie Lynn Bentlage, and grandson, Tad Travis.

Visitation will start at 12:00 PM followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM at Southmont Baptist Church, 2801 Pennsylvania Drive, Denton, Texas 76205. Interment with Military honors will be at I.O.O.F Cemetery in Denton. Reverend Brad Cockrell officiating.

A special thanks to the staff and residents of Lake Forrest Good Samaritan Retirement Village for providing a safe and loving community. Thank you to the staff of Golden Meadows for providing exceptional and loving care of our Dad. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2