Obituary of Charles Edward Doherty, age 61
Charles “Chuck” Edward Doherty.
– Charles “Chuck” Edward Doherty, age 61, of Atascadero, California, graduated to Glory suddenly and unexpectedly on April 14, 2026.
Chuck was born on April 18, 1964, in Stanton, California, to Joseph and Marie Doherty. He made his home in Atascadero since 2016.
Chuck proudly served in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2003 as a Cryptologic Korean Linguist. Following his military service, he worked for the NSA, later as a software engineer for a genetics lab, and ultimately found joy as a professional private chef and pastry baker. He especially cherished serving his many loyal customers at the North County Farmers’ Markets.
His passions included art, music, food, Ireland, and theology. Chuck had a deep love for learning and discussing God’s Word, which became one of his greatest joys.
Chuck met Dawn Showalter in 1981 at a Carl’s Jr. restaurant. Though life circumstances—and their own stubbornness—kept them apart for many years, they reunited in 2004 and were married on January 15, 2005.
After helping Dawn raise her three teenagers, Chuck and Dawn moved to Atascadero. He attended Atascadero Bible Church and most recently Santa Margarita Community Church.
Chuck was baptized in 2018, an experience that deepened his faith and strengthened his passion for theology. He delighted in discussing his beliefs with anyone willing to engage.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Dawn Doherty; his sister, Donna Allison; his three stepchildren, Aurora Culver, Holly Long, and Charles Long; his granddaughter, Evelyn Rose Culver; and many beloved nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.
Services will be held on May 8, 2026, at 2 pm at 9333 Santa Barbara Rd.
Atascadero, CA.
Chuck will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery.
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
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