Ralph Edward Dooling

Ralph Edward Dooling, 73 years, of Hominy, Oklahoma, slipped quietly from this life on Sunday morning, September 23, 2018, at his home with his family by his side. He was a lifelong Hominy resident.

Ralph was born on January 9, 1945 to Delmar and Ruth (Blackwell) Dooling in Hominy. He grew up in and lived in Hominy for most of his life. Ralph's early career included backhoe operator, tank truck driver and operator, and electrician for the City of Hominy. For over 20 years, Ralph was a Gauger in the oilfield working in Osage County, Oklahoma.

Ralph entered the United States Army on August 24, 1965 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. He served "in country" during the Vietnam War, initially as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist and later, an Armor Intelligence Specialist with his rank being SP4 (T). After his tour in Vietnam, he transferred to the US Army Reserve-National Guard and served until August, 23, 1971 when he received an Honorable Discharge. While serving his country, Ralph received the following medals, ribbons and commendations: Expert (Rifle M-14) National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60.

Ralph had many hobbies and passions. He enjoyed coon hunting, trapping, fishing, and arrowhead hunting in his earlier life. He loved camping and fishing in Colorado with his friends and sons. And, he always seemed to know right where the fish were. In his later years, Ralph enjoyed working on and riding his Cushman scooters, and then his classic cars. He was an avid member of the Hominy Car Guys and loved attending car shows with his friends, sons, and grandsons. Throughout his life, Ralph had a ready smile, joke or prank. He loved to make people laugh especially when they were feeling down. Ralph was always ready to lend a hand or help anyone who needed it. Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family and friends cooking and story-telling. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ralph is survived by: his wife of 45 years, Cathy (Hardesty) Dooling of the home; his sons: Nick (Angela) Dooling of Hominy, OK, Troy Dooling of Lawrence, KS, and Daryl (Janice) Dooling of Ashland, MO; his grandchildren: Chase, Kolby, Dylan, and Tori Dooling; one sister: Delta (Bob) Kim of Wichita, KS; his brother-in-law, Gary (Sandy) Bolton of Valliant, OK; his Uncle Alvin and Aunt Nadine Blackwell of Barnsdall, OK, his Aunt Noma Chambers of Skiatook, OK, a handful of nieces and nephews, several cousins, and many friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Ruth Dooling; his brother, Melvin Dooling, and his sister, Frona Fae Dooling.

The Graveside service will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery in Hominy, with the Pastor Wayne Brown officiating. Pallbearers will be: Jody Bostik, Jeff Ray, Steve Pitts, Kenny Pitts, Gary Cox, and Chris Cox. Honorary Pallbearers are: EW Carter, Bucky Venable, Pat Passmore, Dewey Cox, Bob Cox, Major Ray, and Joe Lucas. Musical selections are: "Wings of a Dove" and "The Deck of Cards" Full Military Honors are by: The Gondles-Buttler -VFW Post 7977 - Skiatook, Oklahoma. "Taps" will be performed by Ralph's grandson, Chase Dooling. Burial will follow the services.

Family Visitation is 6-8 PM on Tuesday, September 25, 2018.

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