Dennis Richard Daugherty

Dennis R. Daugherty passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 7, 2026, at Harbor Hospice in Portland, Texas. He was born on June 13, 1943, in South Bend, Indiana, to William T. Daugherty and Eleanor C. Daugherty. He was the second of four boys.

His brothers — William Daugherty, Thomas M. Daugherty, and John E. Daugherty — all preceded him in death, as did his beloved mother, Eleanor Clara Daugherty. William served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor. Thomas was a Vietnam veteran and a member of Zion United Church of Christ and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1954. John served in the Army in nuclear weapons maintenance and later worked in the optical trade. Together, the four brothers shared a strong bond rooted in service, faith, and family.

In December 1963, Dennis began a distinguished and diverse career in the United States Air Force, starting with basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. He attended Crypto Maintenance School at Sheppard Air Force Base, where he married his teenage sweetheart, Sue Carol Nifong, on March 26, 1964.

In 1971, Dennis was accepted into the Airman’s Education and Commissioning Program and began studying engineering at University of Oklahoma. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1973 and then completed Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, earning his commission as an officer. He later went on to receive his MBA from the University of Oregon. Dennis built a highly successful and multifaceted career in both the U.S. Air Force and the private sector.

In 2000, Dennis joined the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club, where he dedicated more than 20 years to service and fundraising. His efforts helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit youth programs. He was honored as Kiwanian of the Year in 2010 and served on the Kiwanis Foundation Investment Committee, helping grow the foundation’s funds from the mid–$50,000 range to more than $800,000. The strong financial standing of the foundation continues to support grants and programs that assist young people in the community.

Dennis also honored his mother’s resilience and determination by establishing the Eleanor C. Daugherty Education Foundation, Inc., a self-funded nonprofit organization dedicated to helping single mothers complete their college education. Scholarships were offered at Pikes Peak Community College and University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Inspired by his mother, a self-taught seamstress who worked tirelessly to provide for her children after a difficult divorce, Dennis created this foundation to provide deserving single-parent students with financial assistance to accelerate the completion of their degrees and build brighter futures for their families.

Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Sue Carol Daugherty; his children, Dennis Daugherty and Diane Fallier; his son-in-law, Jason Fallier; and his daughter-in-law, Kristy Daugherty. He was a proud grandfather to Jayleen Ingram, Landen Ingram, Andrew Daugherty, and Tyler Daugherty, and great-grandfather to August Mark Daugherty.

In his memory, the family invites you to honor his legacy by contributing to a local college or community organization that supports single mothers pursuing higher education. Your generosity can help provide essential opportunities and resources to families striving for a better future.

If you knew Dennis, you knew his signature suspenders — no one wore them quite like he did. We will miss his infectious smile, hearty laugh, and the enormous heart that overflowed with love for his family and for helping others.

Rest in peace, Sir — we have it from here.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Winsteads' Funeral Home, 500 Wildcat Dr, Portland, Texas 78374.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com