Clarence Glen Dougherty, Jr.
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Clarence Glen Dougherty, Jr., Doc, finally retired from the job he loved the most…living life. He passed away peacefully on Aug. 24, 2015, at home surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 92.
He was born Sept. 3, 1922, in Monroe County, Ohio. He grew up in Woodsfield, the county seat, where he was called Schooner by the men that worked the local oil fields as he delivered a schooner of water to those that beckoned him. His hard work at an early age led him to greater things. After high school he went to work as a crane operator in the steel mills of eastern Ohio until he entered WW II.
He served in the Army-Air Corp and spent his time in China where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He was often the only American at his duty station. He acted as a radio operator and mechanic with a little bit of demolitions. Staff Sargent Dougherty was the last one to depart more than one destroyed US airfield on his way across China.
After the war Doc returned to the steel mills until he “met a couple of girls that worked in the Admissions Office” of Ohio State University. He enrolled at Ohio State the following Monday. It was at OSU where his roommate mispronounced his last name but stuck him with Doc. He majored in business and talked his way into student work at the information desk in the Ohio Union. This began the career that led him to Southern Illinois University as the first director of the Student Center in August of 1960. In 1964, the SIU Arena was opened and the administration asked Doc to manage this new facility along with his duties at the Student Center.
In 1975, Doc was tapped to become part of the administration as the Director of Campus Services, a new position created to oversee SIU’s Plant and Service Operations which included the Physical Plant, Travel Services, Printing and Duplicating, and the Power Plant. His duties also included the SIU Arena, McAndrew Stadium, Shryock Auditorium and the SIU Police. In 1977, Doc was selected as Vice President of Campus Services where he served until his retirement in September 1992.
Throughout his career Doc touched thousands of lives. He was a mentor, a leader, a boss and a friend. He made a point of being where he needed to be, when he needed to be. He spoke the truth and stayed true to his convictions. And there were few that dared to face him head-on in a poker game.
He met Glorianna, his wife of 58 years, in July of 1952. They were married the following November. They danced throughout their lives while raising three boys and a countless number of students. She preceded him in death in 2011.
He was very active throughout his years. He served as chairman of the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, he was a member of the 1956 Dipper and Bucket honorary of Ohio State University, the Flying Tigers of the 14<sup>th</sup> Airborne Association, the SIU Alumni Association, the Sphinix Club, the American Legion, VFW, Elks and the Eagles. He received the Boy Scouts’ Silver Beaver, the Jake Goro Award and was inducted into the Carbondale Community High School Hall of Service in 2010.
He is survived by three sons, William Dougherty, Ashburn, Virginia, Brian and wife Carol Dougherty, Altamonte Springs, Florida, and Bret and wife Sherry Dougherty, Cobden, Illinois; two grandsons, Brian II and Jonathan Dougherty, both of Altamonte Springs, Fflordia and one granddaughter Meredith Dougherty, Ashburn, Virginia.
A special thanks to Diana, Delores, Paula, Elaina, Rachel, PJ and Crystal for all of their love and care and to India and Donna with Celtic Hospice for their guidance and support.
Visitation was held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home. Funeral services immediately followed the visitation with Dr. Samuel Goldman officiating. Entombment was in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the Doc Dougherty Legacy Fund with the SIU Foundation or to the donor’s choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.