Walter John Dougherty

WALTER JOHN DOUGHERTY , Walt, 88, from Houston Texas, passed away Friday, March 20th 2009 of respiratory failure. Walt was born April 18th, 1920 in Wilmington Delaware. He was married to Marge Dougherty for forty fabulous years. Walt had his undergraduate and Masters Degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware. He served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during WWII in Japan and the South China Sea. Walt was a chemical engineer and retired with Foster Wheeler Corporation after 20 years of service. He served as Director of Process Design during most of his time with the company. Walt and Marge were long time volunteers and supporters of St. Joseph's Hospital and the American Red Cross. Walt logged thousands of hours as a volunteer and had an amazing gift for empathetic listening and then remembering details. He also served on the board of the Meyerland Association, and managed a girl's softball team. Walt was a long time parishioner and usher at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Walt is survived by his son James Sampson Dougherty, his wife Judy K. Dougherty and their children Sean M. Dougherty and Cara Dougherty Honzak, her husband Miro Honzak and great grandson Dominik Honzak, his daughter Carol A. Dougherty, grandson Gaven M. Acosta-Dougherty and sister in law Helen Dougherty of Maryland. Walt was predeceased by his wife Margaret R. Dougherty, his parents Charles J. and Anna F. Dougherty, his brothers Frank (Betty), Paul (Isabel), Charles (Jane), and Leonard Dougherty. Visitation will be held at Forest Park Lawndale and a memorial service will be held at the St. Joseph's Hospital Chapel, with the dates and times of each to be determined.