Robert Preston Dougharty, 77, of DeQuincy, Louisiana passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022 at his home surrounded by family and faith. He was born to his late parents, Henry and Ola Dougharty on November 26, 1944 in Grant, Louisiana.
Although he grew up in relative poverty, Preston received a firm foundation of love and faith from his mom and a strong work ethic from his dad. His childhood was spent fishing, hunting, and working in the fields. He loved his seven siblings and enjoyed playing basketball in high school. Upon graduation from Ragley High School in 1963, he moved to California and joined the Navy from 1964 to 1968. After the military, he worked for Sun Oil and travelled as far as Alaska.
Preston married Gail Cormier in 1971 and settled in DeQuincy. Together, with the help of family and friends, he used salvaged lumber from the old DeQuincy telephone warehouse to construct their home. It was in this house that he raised his family of five.
Preston worked many carpentry jobs but retired from the Calcasieu Parish School Board maintenance department after 15 years or service. During retirement, he did carpentry work with his son Robby, he travelled extensively with his wife Gail, and spent time with his family.
Of the many trades, experiences, and places that life took him, Preston was most proud of his work with the church. Becoming Catholic in 1991 began a new chapter in his life. He was active as a professor in the Cursillo movement, staffing many retreats. He attended the men’s Ultreya faithfully until his health would no longer permit. He was active in prison ministry, attended countless Cursillo rosaries and visited the sick and dying. Preston was a member of Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church and active throughout the years in CCD, Evangelization, RCIA and many other ministries. He was instrumental in having the Adoration Chapel built for the church.
Preston was stubborn as most that knew him well could attest, but his heart was of gold. He was a great example to many as a man of integrity, substance, and character. He was often a mediator when relations were strained, and a loving heart when another was in need. Preston was a faithful, loyal and good man who loved all his family wholeheartedly.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Gail Dougharty; children, Twila Hagen (Scott) of DeQuincy, Louisiana, Robby Dougharty (Marlena) of DeRidder, Louisiana, and Daniel Dougharty (Katy) of Austin, Texas; sister, Drusilla Wilkins (Danny) of DeQuincy, Louisiana; grandchildren, Luka, Henry & Jonah Hagen, Mattie, Jesse (Rachel) & Dalton Dougharty, Miles Dougharty; along with a great grandson, Jameson Dougharty.
Preston is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Chester Dougharty, James Dougharty, Samuel "Sammy" Dougharty, Larry Dougharty, Ethel Dougharty Peterson, and Elaine Shoemake.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church in DeQuincy, Louisiana on Monday, October 31, 2022, at 10:00 am, with Father Luis Tigga officiating. Visitation will be at Hixson-Snider Funeral Home in DeQuincy on Sunday, October 30, 2022, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a Cursillo Rosary at 6:00 pm. Visitation will resume at Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church on Monday, from 9:00 am until the Funeral Mass at 10:00am. Inurnment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Services entrusted to Jordan and Amanda Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home in DeQuincy, Louisiana.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsnider.com for the Dougharty family.
