Verba Leon Doughty

Verba Leon Doughty Sr., 89, of Yorktown, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 6, 2018 surrounded by his children and family and friends who came to say “Goodbye” in loving tribute and deep sorrow. The world has lost its brightest light which will never be replaced. Verba was very much, one of a kind.

Verba was born to George and Hazel Doughty. He was the seventh of 12 children. Verba was married twice, first in 1947 and a second time in 1977 to Mary Henry. Verba and Mary were together for 33 years, until her death in 2010. Verba’s pride and joy has always been the 8 children he had from his first marriage. He was a Dad who loved his children for who they are and always managed to give each of  them the love and security they needed. Verba raised his children on the farm he bought in 1951, where he has lived out his life. He told us many times “If I go tonight, I will have no regrets.” Verba has had various jobs throughout his nearly 90 year life, but his first love remained the land. He was always a farmer, regardless of the other jobs he had to take to make ends meet. Verba has always been known for his incredible work ethic, and his absolute, straight forward honesty, which was not always wanted. He never met a stranger and treated everyone as a friend, unless they proved unworthy. Verba started his love of farming by working on the Crapo farm west of Muncie. He worked there from age of 11—through age 17. He worked 7 days a week, before school and after school.

He also farmed 700 acres along side his beloved father for many, many years. At age 19 he was in need of some equipment. He went to a local banker and asked for an unsecured loan. At first the banker refused because he was so young, but he was well respected for his honesty and for keeping his promises, the banker finally gave him the money and within 18 months he had paid all of it back. He never had problems getting a loan after that. Verba worked drilling water wells for Buell Brown, Sr. 1951-1958. He worked for Joe Brown 1962-1963. He purchased his own rig in 1964. Collectively he drilled wells from 1951-1985. Later in his life, he found great joy in excavation work. Especially, his beloved Bobcats. For 30 years he has dug graves for five cemeteries. Verba never failed to help a neighbor in need.  And without being asked, he would plow the snow for the widow ladies and anyone else who needed it on his road. Verba hauled milk for Producer Dairy from 1958-1962. He also drove a truck for Farm Bureau for 2 years. That was a great time for his children. They took turns going on his milk route with him and when all the cans were picked up they would head to the dairy. After putting all of the cans on the conveyer belt, he put the kid on the conveyer belt and rode into the dairy with he/she inside the dairy where they knew one of the dairy workers would be waiting to give them a container of fresh chocolate milk! Those were the best of times. The kid whose turn it was to go with Dad was the luckiest kid on the planet…every 8th Saturday! Drinking chocolate milk and being with Dad all day, nothing is better! He continued to work every day, weather permitting, until about 10 days before his passing. He had only one real vacation in his life. When he turned 65, his children gave him and his wife, Mary (Verb and Mary both were born on 4/14) money to go on a real vacation. They decided on Tennessee and they had a very memorable trip! That was one of the rare times he left Delaware County to go farther than Anderson.

Verba is survived by Eight loving children, Linda Jones, Judy Moffatt (husband Bob), Verba Doughty Jr., Michael Doughty, Ila Simers, Diana Sayer (friend Ron), Jeffery Doughty (wife Drey), Joseph Doughty, and Mary’s Grandson, Josh Curts; 12 grandchildren, 22 Great-grandchildren, and 2 Great-great grandchildren; His beloved sister, Alta Renner; Brothers George, Floyd, Bill, Ferrell, and Jack Doughty.

Verba was preceded in death by his beloved parents, George and Hazel Doughty; brother James; Sisters Margaret, Vivian, Betty, and Rosemary; and his Beloved step-daughter, Cindy Vannice.

A funeral service to celebrate Verba’s life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Gant Funeral Homes, Yorktown Chapel, 2215 S. Broadway St. in Yorktown. Pastor Bob Smith will officiate. Burial will follow in Hawk Cemetery.

Friends and family may gather to share and remember from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 11, 2018 and also one hour prior to his funeral on Thursday at Gant Funeral Homes, Yorktown Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in memory of Verba to the Indiana University Health/Hospice or the Indiana University Health/Cancer Center, both at 2401 West University Ave. Muncie, IN 47303.

Share a memory of Verba and leave your condolences at www.gantfuneralhomes.com

The Gant and Miller families are honored to celebrate Verba’s life with his family and community.

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