Joseph “Joe” Michael Dougherty, 65, passed away in Butte, MT on Wednesday, September 27th at 8:03 pm with his family by his side, after fighting a long battle with his health. Joe graduated from Interlake High School in Bellevue, WA, and later joined the Navy. Joe was a custom millworker most of his life, who could build just about ANYTHING. He just had a knack for it. He was also more recently well known for driving a taxi in Butte for (his buddy) Joe Garcia. He always had something funny or quirky to say about most things. His sense of humor will definitely be greatly missed.
He enjoyed doing anything outdoors; he was a master fisherman and passed that knowledge onto his family. He also enjoyed hunting, camping, & going on drives. He loved exploring any back roads in this beautiful state of Montana… And boy did we put in some miles! Joe enjoyed spending time with his “kids” and being Gramps, but there was nothing he loved more than spending time with his 2 girls… Layla and Aaliyah, and his number one girl (his cat Pepper.)
He was proceeded in death by his mother Margaret (Peggy) Dougherty. He is survived by his Father John and Stepmother Karla Dougherty; Aunt, Louise Dougherty; Brothers, Jim and David Dougherty; Sisters, Kelly & Sue Dougherty; Nephew, Jason Moore; Nieces, Crystal & Angie Cona, all of Washington; as well as his wife Cheryl Dougherty; Daughter, Shannon Abad; Son-in-law/Road dog, Louis Abad; his grandchildren, Jesse, Tristan & Mari-Jayne Grogan & Angelo Abad; Great-grandchildren, Layla, Aaliyah, & Hudsyn Sheehan, all of Butte, Montana.
His passing left anyone who knew him with a heavy heart. You will be severely missed Papa Bear… I hope you’re up there fishing buddy. Until we meet again!
We will be having a celebratory “Shin dig” to honor his life at a later date. Please feel free to leave any comments, memories, or pics of your own.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Joe and his family.
Janice Clark Muniz says
My thoughts and prayers to Cheryl, Shannon, Louie and all of Joe’s family & friends,
I was so sad to hear about Joe. I always liked him and would have a laugh or two when I stopped in the Thriftway when he was working. He was such a great man. May his memories hold dear in your hearts. I pray he gets to meet my husband in heaven and they go fishing together .. ((((HUGS))))
Janice Clark Muniz
John Dougherty says
Joe was my fishing buddy since the time he could walk. He never complained about hours in the boat with no hits.
A more loyal son you could not have. He and I shared recipes and cooked together either with dutch ovens or any pots and pans. Our family is strong Joe would want us to remain so. Part of our hearts are with him and thank God no more pain.
Loving father,
John Dougherty
Sue Cona says
Joe knows who he was to his family. Will be missed. Big brother like no other.
Ed Clark says
The Dougherty family moved into our neighborhood in ’67-’68… Joe & were the same age, as were Kelly & our sister Linda, and Sue & our brother Doug. Jim & Doug became strong friends as the years went by.
Joe & I had many adventures as young guys, exploring the woods around Interlake. As got older, we’d ride our bikes around Lake Samammish, go fishing as often as we could, and had ourselves a grand time. Because of the age similarities of the children, the families socialized extensively. I vividly recall playing doubles ping pong with our Dads in the Dougherty’s garage.
He was a good guy & became an even better man.
Ed Clark says
The Dougherty family moved into our neighborhood in ’67-’68… Joe & I were the same age, as were Kelly & our sister Linda, and Sue & our brother Doug. Jim & Doug became strong friends as the years went by.
Joe & I had many adventures as young guys, exploring the woods around Interlake. As we got older, we’d ride our bikes around Lake Samammish, go fishing as often as we could, and had ourselves a grand time. Because of the age similarities of the children, the families socialized extensively. I vividly recall playing doubles ping pong with our Dads in the Dougherty’s garage.
He was a good guy & became an even better man.