Michael John Dougherty

Michael John Dougherty, known to many as Mike Dougherty, Big Mike, Quaker, and the Rascal departed peacefully on Sunday October 6, 2024 at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Houston, Texas Medical Center. He was 70 years old.

Michael was born June 20, 1954 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to John Joseph and Mary Jane (Link) Dougherty who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of eight years Danielle Dougherty (Lemon); the blessing of three children from a previous marriage: Michelle – Austin, Texas, Todd (Alaina) – Ferndale, Michigan, and Seth – Sacramento, California; 8 younger siblings: Anne (Thomas Zepka, Jr.), Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Mark, Timothy, both of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Daniel, New York City, New York, Kelly (Ed Polasko, Jr.) Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Amy, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Shaun (Dr. D'Arcy Duke) Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and Joy (George Campbell), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Michael is also survived by mother-in-law, Beverly Lemon, sister-in-law, Sherrel Lemon and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends for which he was grateful but that are too numerous to name individually.

Michael graduated from Bishop McCort Catholic High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1972. Awarded a basketball scholarship, he attended Cisco Junior College in west Texas. Upon completion, he matriculated to Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. After college, he pursued a career in Oil and Gas, serving several drilling companies in multiple advancing capacities. During his tenure, he had ownership in Black Creek Drilling and ultimately served as Vice President of Big E Drilling (in excess of 30 years) until the time of his death – Special thanks to Lyle and the Eastham family for their devotion to Michael.

Michael held membership with Knights of Columbus, was a devout Catholic, and a very active parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, Texas where prior to his hospitalization he attended daily mass, participated in virtually every church function, spearheaded and assisted in fundraising initiatives, and at one time held a stewardship position within the church. Michael loved God, the Church, family, and friends. He lived his Faith by giving selflessly to others and was known for his larger-than-life personality, kindness, and generous spirit. Michael played basketball, football and golf earlier on and he continued to enjoy watching sports, as well as travelling, history and antiques, encountering new people, negotiating, visiting with friends and loved ones, and so much more. It is not possible to fully depict our Beloved Michael John in words alone and to say that he will be truly missed by so many is an understatement.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 14th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, Texas from 5 pm – 8 pm with Vigil service at 7 pm. Funeral Mass and committal will take place in Johnstown, Pennsylvania pursuant to Michael’s wishes with dates to be determined.

The family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation for all of the prayers, acts of kindness and love that have comforted them during this difficult time. They also kindly request that all floral expressions of sentiment be made through the Blossom Shop in Conroe, Texas.

May God Bless and keep you all with this thought:

Michael – whose name means “Who is like God?” – together with the other holy Angels are “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14)