Edward David Doney

He was born in Winchester, Massachusetts, on March 12, 1943, to Joyce and Norvell Doney. Edward grew up in Charleston, West Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Mining Engineering. In January of 1964, he met the love of his life, Doreen Bays, who was attending National Business College in Roanoke, Virginia. They were both engaged when they met, but within three months they eloped and were married in Sparta, North Carolina, on April 3, 1964. Their loving marriage lasted 61 years before his passing.

After graduation, Edward served in the Vietnam War as an officer and Navigator-Bombardier on B52 aircraft in the U.S. Air Force. From 1966 to 1971, he flew 182 combat missions over North and South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and numerous other medals. After leaving the USAF, he went to work for the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Washington, D.C.

Edward worked in the Coal Industry throughout his professional career, writing numerous technical publications during his more than 30 years in various positions with coal companies and the Federal Government. As a Bureau of Mines and then Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration representative, he was instrumental in implementing regulations for the newly enacted Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.

In December of 1974, Edward joined Exxon’s Monterey Coal Company subsidiary in Carlinville, Illinois, as Safety Coordinator and eventually Chief Engineer, helping to produce 12,000 tons of coal a day. As the Engineering Manager, he oversaw engineering activities in all Illinois mines. In 1982, he accepted a position on the Engineering staff of Sunedco Coal Co. in Denver, Colorado. In 1985, he accepted the position of Chief Engineer at Kerr-McGee Oil Company’s Coal Division at the Galatia Mine in Galatia, Illinois, the nation’s 3rd largest underground coal mine. He held that position until 1991 when he was promoted to Kerr-McGee’s Headquarters in Oklahoma City as Manager of Underground Planning and Economics. His work took him all over the world, from Australia and Botswana to Okinawa and Scotland.

In 2007, Edward began writing short stories about his combat experience as well as fictional works, culminating in his first novel, Target Heartland.

He was passionate about family celebrations, holidays, vacations, and his Virginia Tech Hokies. His kindness and generosity were boundless. He always ended his dinner table prayer with, "Keep us ever mindful of the needs of others. In Jesus' name, amen."

Edward is survived by his wife, Doreen, his children, Karin and Edward II, his aunt, Joanne Lepine of Andover, Massachusetts, his nephew, G. Curtis Duffield of Sorrento, Florida, his niece, Kathleen V. Duffield of Decatur, Georgia, and many other loved ones around the country.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper funeral home, located at 6600 Broadway Ext, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity that is dedicated to finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease.