Robert Ernest Dougherty

1944 - 2026

Robert Ernest Dougherty, 81, of Rimersburg, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, January 31, 2026 in the comfort of his own home, following a lengthy illness.

Born August 22, 1944 in Hawthorn - one of five children - he was the son of the late Vincent Robert and Anna Irene (Bowersox) Dougherty.

Robert married the former Janet Lynn Guntrum on October 2, 1998. She survives. They spent 27 wonderful years together.

He had a strong work ethic, working as a coal miner for numerous years until he became self-employed.

Robert was a member of the St. Richard Catholic Church in Rimersburg and a proud member of the NRA.

He was a fierce patriot who was devoted and dedicated to his country and his family.

Robert enjoyed hunting, listening to music, especially old country, and was a enthusiast of classic cars.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his five children, DeeDee Smail and her husband, Bruce, Steve Dougherty and his fiancé, Rhonda Twigg, Dyan DeBacco and her husband, Paul, Stephanie Corle and her husband, Blake, and Samantha Altman and her husband, Brian; 12 grandchildren, Kara and her husband, Mat, Mitch, Alex and his wife, Michele, Casey, Leah and her husband, AJ, Maggie and her husband, Cameron, Skyler, Blake, Randi, Wyatt, Finley and Ryleigh; and seven great-grandchildren, Trenton, Madisyn, Elliott, Emery, Evelyn, Sidni and Isaac; and dog, Zoe.

Robert also leaves behind his three siblings, Marjorie Shirey, Vincent G. Dougherty and his wife, Liz, and Roxy Randolph and her husband, Ord; and four sisters-in-law, Karen Chapman and her husband, Dan, Lori Myers, Vicki Kriebel and her husband, Patrick, and Kelly Mong and her husband, Dave; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, John Hesidence Jr.; his brother, Richard Dougherty; and sister-in-law, Jonni Dougherty; five brothers-in-law, Allen Shirey, Slugger Guntrum, Brade Guntrum, Randy Guntrum and Dennis "Doc" Myers; and his beloved dog, Jake.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, at the Burns Funeral Home in Rimersburg.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the funeral home, with Robert's son-in-law, Pastor Paul DeBacco, presiding.

Cremation care has been entrusted to the RV Burns Crematorium Inc.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.rvburnsfuneralhome.com.