Ronald Larry Dooley, age 78, of Coldwater, Michigan; passed away Thursday, April 23, 2020 at his home. He was born May 22, 1941 in Augusta, Illinois to Allen Dale and Lillian Marie (Merideth) Dooley. He married Minnie Lou Watkins on September 23, 1962 and she survives. Ron moved to Coldwater, Michigan in 1973 from Oquawka, IL with Gamble Skogmo Warehouse where he was a Dealer Accountant until the warehouse closed. Other jobs he held were: Kroger Egg Factory, Crotty Corporation, Ferris RV, Douglas Auto Tech and managed the ColdwaterMemorial Airport for 10 years. He also worked at the Sauk River Racquetball Club, and worked the front desk at many of the hotels in Coldwater. The last was the Hampton Inn.
He was a private pilot, and avid bicyclist, and rode his bike from Iowa to Coldwater. He took many bike trips in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. He once rode his bike across the state of Iowa in the RAGBRI and in the state of Michigan in the PALM with his son, DeWayne. He loved all sprots and was an avid University of Illinois football and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He was a member of the Pine Ridge Bible Church in Quincy. He worked with his wife, Minnie, caring for Hillsdale College students that attend the church.
He is survived by his wife, Minnie of Coldwater, one daughter, Krista (Michael) Outwater of Coldwater, and his son, DeWayne Dooley of Hampton, VA. There are four grandchildren, Lauren Outwater of Lexington, KY, Colin Outwater of Coldwater, Cassandra (Justin) Dooley Jones of Newport News, VA, Marissa Dooley of Texas, and his great grandson Wesley Jones of Newport News, VA. Ronald’s sister survives, Jerilynn Stevenson of Alexis, IL and his brother, Gary Michael (Linda) Dooley of Oquawka, IL. Ron is preceded in his death by his parents and two brother-in-laws.
There will be no services for Ronald Dooley at this time. Memorials may be made to the Dale and Marie Dooley Scholarship Fund for Nurses at South Eastern Community College in Burlington, IA. This fund was established by the family in honor of their parents and has helped many students pursuing a career in nursing. Or they may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Quincy. For online condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com
