Patrick Ross Doherty

Patrick Ross Doherty, age 73, passed away due to heart complications on June 5, 2024 in Dallas, TX, while playing tennis, a sport he loved dearly. It was reportedly a very close match.

Pat’s life was defined by his passion for tennis, but his dedication to his family always took precedence. He is survived by his eldest son, Tom Stover, and daughter-in-law, Charissa, along with his middle son, Paul, all of whom live in Dallas and cherished the opportunities they had to connect as a family. His youngest son, Matt, daughter-in-law, Cici, and grandchildren, Addison and Aiden, always sent their love from San Mateo, CA, and will forever remember their “Bapa” for his willingness to chase them around the yard.

Pat is also survived by his partner, Mary Beth Jones, whose family integrated him into their close-knit circle after his wife’s death. Pat truly loved Mary Beth, and her four children, Brian, Colin, Scott, and Megan, and her nine grandchildren, as if they were his own. He was always overjoyed to share news of a recent sports game viewing, lake house getaway, or international trip with their family.

Additionally, Pat is survived by his brother, Mike, and his sister-in-law, Joanne, both of whom have been proud hosts to their brother over the years in their Tampa, FL and Aiken, SC homes.

Pat graduated from Collinsville High School and earned a degree in Economics from DePauw University. He went on to receive a Master's Degree in Accounting from Washington University in St. Louis. He spent several years in public accounting before dedicating 37 years to regulatory affairs with Southwestern Bell, later AT&T, where he formed lasting relationships and was respected for his unwavering support and business acumen.

A lifelong tennis player, Pat competed at the collegiate level and forged close friendships through the sport over the past 50 years. His competitive spirit and love for tennis were well known among his friends. His rackets went with him everywhere.

Pat was also a true good samaritan, dedicating time to community projects, kids' sports, and neighborly good deeds. His special view on life attracted quality people and those who knew him often remarked on his reliability, upstanding character, and his unique ability to win people over instantly.

Pat will be laid to rest next to his wife and the mother of his three children, Shirley Doherty, within a generational family plot at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Edwardsville, IL, where he grew up and spent his childhood. He will be greatly missed and remembered for his trustworthiness, dependability… and love of ice cream.

Friends and family are invited to honor Pat's memory through two services in Dallas, his community for the past 27 years, and a burial in St. Louis, where he spent most of his life. Pat would prefer everyone show up in an oversized sweatshirt, but knowing that's not possible, we'd still like to keep his unique casual spirit alive and minimize the dark suits. Additional details below:

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association or Texas Tennis Foundation in Pat's name.