It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Gene Dougherty on June 20 at age 92.As we know, Gene was long distinguished as one of Oklahoma’s greatest artists. He brought acclaim to Tonkawa—his adopted hometown—and Northern Oklahoma College—where he served on the faculty for 24 years before retiring in 1989.Of course, Gene was a truly gifted artist in watercolor and oils and his works can be widely seen in museums, galleries, business offices and homes across Oklahoma and beyond. And he was generous with his talent and works, often donating one of his paintings to help fund a community need or one at his beloved St. Joseph Catholic Church, NOC or a non-profit organization.We proudly have several “Gene Dougherty’s” hanging in our Tulsa home. They include one showing our family’s former Tonkawa home located at 100 South Fourth Street (which became the Dougherty family home), one depicting an action scene at an OU football game, and one showing our daughter at age 3 running in a park (painted from a photo).A few months ago, I enjoyed attending a sale of Gene’s prints held inside his art studio located in the former Catholic school building on the grounds of St. Joseph Church. I purchased several art prints that day, but the prize possession I took home was one of Gene Dougherty’s well-used paint brushes.While a student at NOC in the early 1970’s, I enjoyed taking Instructor Dougherty’s Art Appreciation class. It was a a very popular class at the college because students knew Gene as a famous artist. He was also appreciated as a fine teacher who was skilled at communicating his knowledge and love of art and artists.I enjoyed several visits with Gene over the years when in Tonkawa. I always appreciated the interest he showed in me as a former student and native Tonkawan.It was an honor to be a friend of Gene Dougherty.Jim Langdon, Tulsa ...
