David Gus Doggett, Jr.

David G. Doggett Jr. (Dave), 88 of Dallas, Texas entered eternal life on the morning of Tuesday April 21, 2020 at his Personal Care Home in Plano, Texas, with his daughter Katie by his side.

Dave was born on January 10, 1932, in Dallas, Texas to David G. Doggett Sr. and Lucille Doggett. He is survived by his only sister, Mary Chandler of Dallas, Texas. His spirit and legacy are carried on by his 4 children, Linda Ray of Richardson, Texas, David Doggett III of Jupiter, Florida, Larry Doggett of Plano, Texas and Katie Sherman of Plano, Texas, 11 grandchildren and many, many wonderful friends at The American Legion of Richardson, Texas, VFW of Richardson, and all of his classmates of The North Dallas High School Alumni.

Dave graduated from North Dallas High School in 1949 where he was a member of the ROTC and played clarinet in the band. After high school, he worked at the North American Aviation Plant in Dallas, building F-51 Mustang fighter-bombers and the empanada assembly of the B-47. After helping to build the bombers, Dave enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951, assigned to 112th/1st T.R.S. and was stationed overseas in France and Germany. He worked as a Crew Chief on the only dual control Douglas B-26 Invader at his base, serving during the Korean War. Dave had the greatest love for cars in addition to planes, and even brought his beloved first new car, a 1948 Ford Custom Convertible (which he watched come down the assembly line at the East Grand Ford Plant) overseas with him while he was abroad, earning the title of “The Fonz” long before Winkler.

After 4 years of service in the USAF, Dave enjoyed a fulfilling civilian career as a local architect serving the Dallas, Richardson and Garland areas. Dave’s passion and greatest love was always in design. He created plans for custom homes, schools, donut shops, banks, warehouses, auto dealerships, and churches. Dave also designed and built many of the homes he lived in. Some of his favorite highlight career memories also come from the early days of the Space Programs, where he worked for Collins Radio Co. There he designed structures for the 40’ thru 85’ steerable parabolic antennae both in the U.S. and abroad. He was a founding associate of Omega-T-Systems, which designed and built the guidance systems for similar antennae. Dave was also an avid home builder during the 1970-1980’s in Tyler, Texas where he also operated his own Architectural and Engineering office while teaching Technology courses at Tyler Junior College at night.

After returning back to Dallas in the late 1980s, Dave went on to teach Insurance Adjusting and Property courses. Dave also had roles in Construction Engineering, as well as volunteering with the United States Census and City of Richardson Early Election voting. Perhaps his most beloved role of volunteering came in 1996, when Dave officially retired and became a “Cheerleader Dad,” supporting his daughter Katie in her sports and extracurricular activities after school. Dave was known as the “cool dad” and stayed busy with the PTA and school fundraising projects.

During retirement Dave enjoyed supporting his local VFW and American Legion posts, helping to present the Color Guard at local ceremonies. Dave was also very involved in serving the Post Charities, Boys State and Meals on Wheels for local senior citizens. One particular labor of love for Dave during retirement was co-hosting his Air Force Squadrons first post war reunion with over 50 attendees in Dayton, Ohio. In addition to hosting the reunion, Dave also searched and found over 113 personnel from the Squadron 40+ years prior to create a keepsake memory book for all who attended. Dave was a social butterfly and really enjoyed visiting with others and having a good time. He frequented many North Dallas High School Alumni functions and luncheons over the years, with pride...Go Bulldogs!

In 2010, Dave set off for a new journey as he moved into a Senior Living Community at the El Dorado in Richardson. It was there that Dave enjoyed a very active social calendar where he proudly called Bingo, played Bean Bag Baseball, and watched Friday night movies with his co-residents. Dave really enjoyed sitting in the lobby ready to greet all the visitors for the day and pass out his Hershey Kisses to anyone that obliged. Dave loved having his family and friends come to visit him for lunch and creating art projects with his grandchildren. Perhaps Dave's favorite pastime at the El Dorado was just sitting on the porch feeding the birds, and squirrels with any leftover bread or popcorn from the day with his friends.

Dave was affectionately known in his lifetime as being friendly, optimistic, quick witted, full of life stories, experiences, advice, love and laughter. Dave could tell you anything about a time he encountered, and always finish the story with a laugh. As a child and even as an adult, he had a charismatic spirit. Dave lived his life as he believed in the mantra, “where there is a will, there was a way.” Dave never met a stranger, always stopping to say hello and talk with anyone who would listen, even if it meant embarrassing his daughter in front of her friends. Dave loved to do a Heel-Click-Jump whenever he was out and about in public, and well into his 70’s. He often sang and recited his favorite song lyrics or could just break out into song in the middle of conversation.

Some of Dave’s favorite things included: Breakfast, as it was his favorite meal of the day, and always dessert. He also had a true love for coffee, and dark chocolate Hershey Kisses. You would even find a trail of candy wrappers that usually followed him around like breadcrumbs. Dave loved to listen to the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, Frank Sinatra, Polka, Waltz, and “Kokomo'' by the Beach Boys. He also enjoyed a classic hamburger and good old fashioned Root Beer on occasion. When going to the State Fair his favorite snack was the Dole Pineapple Whip and the Car Show was always top on his must-see list! Dave enjoyed spending time with animals, but always had a tender heart for dogs especially. Dave is fondly remembered by taking great pride in his service in the military and wearing his USAF Veteran hat and American Legion jacket every time he would leave the house. Dave was as many described, their “favorite person.” He was well known for his positive disposition, kind blue eyes, and infectious smile. His sweet spirit will live on through everyone who had the opportunity to know him. He was truly loved by many and will not be forgotten by any.

The family would like to extend an immense gratefulness to Dave’s caregivers at his Personal Care Home. For the last 4 years, Milley, Heibe, and Lance were not only Dave's friends but also the hands and feet of Jesus, faithfully taking care of Dave until the Lord called him home. Thank you for all you do, for all you did, and for your love to the very end. May God bless you abundantly.

Thank you also to Dave’s hospice team Emily and Lauren, for bringing kindness and sunshine to Dave’s life. He loved visits from you both, thank you for making his days sweeter.

Due to Covid-19 the family has postponed services for Dave until a later date when everyone can come together again safely, and full military honors can be presented.

One of Dave’s favorite quotes:

“As you ramble on through life, Brother,

Whatever be your goal,

Keep your eye upon the doughnut,

And not upon the hole.”

― Margaret Atwood