Homer Edward Doherty, 79, passed away at home in Emhouse on Feb. 4, 2026, while on hospice care, surrounded by family.

Homer was born May 8, 1946 in Ennis, Texas, to Homer Doherty and Laura (Wilhoite) Doherty. He grew up in Ennis with his older sister Ruby and younger brothers, Don and Jimmy. Ennis remained home for most of his life, and he carried that pride with him everywhere — often introducing himself as "Homer from Ennis."

He attended Ennis High School, graduated in 1964, where he participated and excelled in many sports. He then attended Navarro Junior College, where his high school sweetheart Jon Louise Connolly joined him. There, Homer was widely known around campus and named Beanie King his Freshman year. Homer and Joni went on to build a life together filled with love, laughter, and (occasional) good-natured bickering. They later moved to Emhouse, where they spent the last several years.

Homer worked as a truck driver for Consolidated Freightways and was a proud member of the Teamsters union. He retired in 1998 after surviving an aneurysm in his leg. After retiring he enjoyed working in his later years at the Texas Motorplex as a shuttle driver.

An athlete in his younger years, Homer played semi-professional football for the Dallas Rockets. He continued his love for sports by coaching little league baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, he rarely passed up a chance to be on the course or by the water —especially if there was a good story to tell afterward. He was always kind and friendly, but he was also a big teaser, and loved giving his grandkids a hard time. He was known for his love of a good meal and enjoyed sitting down to eat and play dominoes and trivia with family.

Above all, Homer was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather. His greatest pride was his three daughters—Julie, Mollie, and Shellie—whom he supported and cherished throughout his life. He took immense joy in his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who referred to him as Momer, spending his retired years standing proudly alongside them through life's milestones.

He is survived by his wife, Jon Louise Doherty; daughters Julie (Ronnie) Hedge, Mollie (Teddy) Duncan, and Shellie (Jason) Smiley-York; his brother, Jimmy (JoAnn) Doherty; his brother-in-law, Charles Cooper; and his sister-in-law, Sharon Doherty; grandchildren Justin Tubbs (Sophia DeJulio), Maggie Tubbs (Dennis Woods), Teddy Duncan (Zena), Troy (Charlotte) Smiley, Coy Smiley, Audrey York, Patrick Melott, JoBeth Hedge, Clayton Hedge, Joshua Dunning, and Tony Hedge; great-grandchildren Micah Taylor, Haven Smiley, Luciana Smiley, Lottie Smiley, Haivyn Woods, and Livienne Woods; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Laura Doherty; his sister, Ruby Cooper; his brother, Donald Doherty; his mother-in-law, Jewel Connolly; and his sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Lewis Prachyll.

Homer will be remembered for his humor, his way with people, and the love he had for his family. He will be deeply missed.

Acknowledgment:
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Cedar Lake Home Health and Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and support shown to Homer and his family during this time.

Celebration of Life:

Homer was blessed with a living visitation gathering on June 8, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. The outpouring of love and support deeply lifted his spirits and encouraged him to continue his fight, allowing him to spend six more meaningful months with those he loved. The family is sincerely grateful to all who came and shared in that special time.

A celebration of Homer's life will be held on February 13 at 3:00 p.m. at the KJT Dining Hall. Brother Cass will offer remarks, and family and friends are warmly encouraged to share their stories and memories. The gathering will conclude with a meal shared in Homer's honor.

Honorary Pallbearers: 1967 Star Oilers little league baseball team.

Submitted by family