Leonard Wayne Doherty

Leonard Wayne Doherty was born August 19, 1938 in Mangum, Oklahoma to Leonard S. Doherty and Jewel C. (Phelps) Egr. Wayne grew up in several different parts of the country, but spent most of his youth in the cotton fields of California, and attended school in Alpaugh, California. As a young boy, Wayne loved sports. He especially enjoyed playing basketball and baseball, and running track. He was also notorious for teasing his brothers and sisters, and was known as “the inventor of entertainment”. Illa Jean (Gilliam) Doherty was born February 25, 1942 in Rockford, Illinois to Louis F. Gilliam and Marie G. (Whitnack) Laughlin. Illa grew up in a girl’s home in Omaha, and attended school in Omaha. Wayne served in the Army from October 14, 1955 until his honorable discharge on October 31, 1958. It was also during this time that he met and married Illa Jean Gilliam. Wayne and Illa were married on August 10, 1957 by the Justice of the Peace in Papillion, Nebraska, and to this union, three children were born; Sharon Jean, Leonard Wayne, Jr., and Matthew James. The family had made their home in Valley, Nebraska. Wayne worked as a bus driver for the Waterloo and Valley schools for several years. He cared greatly for all the children he drove, and was given a citation for his service and flawless driving record. He was also the family’s driving instructor, teaching all of the grandchildren to drive. Wayne enjoyed golfing, fishing, singing karaoke, and softball. He was a great and devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Wayne loved everyone unconditionally, but his greatest love was his family. Illa was most importantly, Mom. She loved her family deeply, and was always there for any one of them. She spent countless hours with the grandchildren and taught them to cook. Illa liked playing Skipbo, planted lots of flowers, and was even known to go to the boats and gamble a little! She treated everyone as if they were her own, and she was happiest with her family on the holidays. Wayne and Illa died together unexpectedly at their home in Valley, Nebraska on October 3, 2007. Wayne was 69 years, 1 month, and 14 days old. Illa was 65 years, 7 months, and 8 days old. Wayne and Illa are preceded in death by Wayne’s parents, Joe and Jewel Egr, Illa’s parents, Dale and Marie Laughlin, son Matthew James, grandson Scotty Richey, Wayne’s sister, JoAnn Krumwide, Illa’s sister, Clara Ann Gilliam, and her brother, Richard Gilliam. Wayne and Illa are survived by their son and daughter-in-law Len Jr. and Denise Doherty of Valley, daughter and son-in-law Sherrie and Curt Richey of Fremont, 9 grandchildren; Kristi Turner, and husband James, Ashley, Matt, Jimmie, Joey, Jewel, and Jared Doherty, Zachery Rasmussen, and Kala Lipham. 2 great grandchildren; Jordan and McKayla Turner. Wayne’s brothers and sisters-in-law; Jim and Patti Doherty, Billy and Claudi Egr, and Jim Egr, his sisters and brothers-in-law; Della and Sam Farris, Linda and Chuck Dixon, Barb and Paul Dalberg, and Marie Lewis, and Illa’s sister and brother-in-law Janet and Robert Powers, and her 5 nieces and nephews. Courtesy of Reichmuth Funeral Homes

Leonard Wayne Doherty

August 19, 1938 - October 3, 2007