Dooley, Donald J. - 1921-2012

BARGER, CONNELL, COPPOLA, CROSBY, DOOLEY, HILMES, SALO

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 8/24/2024 at 10:25:26

Don Dooley died Sunday, July 1, 2012 at his home in West Des Moines. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Nancy Coppola (Ed), Bob Dooley (Janet) and Bridget Salo; grandchildren, Edward III, Christian and Anna Coppola and Johnathan and Catherine Dooley; step-children, Molly Crosby (Doug), Amy Hilmes (Steve) and Dan Connell (Alicia); step-grandchildren, Katherine and Caroline Crosby, Alex and Andrew Hilmes and Christopher, Lauren, Skylar and Madison Connell; a nephew, Michael Dooley and a niece, Diane Dooley. He was preceded in death by daughter, Katherine Anne; brother, Robert Dooley; and parents, Martin and Anne (Barger) Dooley.
Don was born on August 16, 1921. He graduated from Roosevelt High School where he was senior class president and participated in basketball and track. After graduation he attended the University of Iowa. His studies were interrupted by the War. He left the University and was accepted in the Air Corps Aviation Cadet program where he earned his wings as a pilot and was commissioned an officer. His fellow Cadets christened him "Smilin' Don", a term that characterized much of his life. He was decorated for his WWII service flying B-25's and C-47's. After the war he returned to the University of Iowa to complete his studies. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and served as chapter president. Following graduation he joined Meredith Corporation where he worked for 39 years. He served in several capacities including Art and Editorial Director for Better Homes and Gardens and as Meredith's Director of Public Relations.
Don had a great passion for world affairs, politics and causes that support and benefit the human condition and the public welfare. His interest in peace and friendship took him to China, India, Korea, Nepal, South America, Japan and Cuba. He also served as co-director for the Iowa office of Beyond War and the Foundation for Global Community. His interest and support for education included Steering Committee, Inter-cultural Affairs Council to desegregate Des Moines Public Schools, Advisory Board for Adult and Community Education, trustee for the National Citizens Scholarship Foundation and board member of the Dollars for Scholars program. He was a member of the Iowa Cystic Fibrosis Association, the Iowa Freedom of Information Council and a member of the America Civil Liberties Union. He was the recipient of the Home Furnishing Industry's annual Dorothy Dawe Award. In 1981 he served as a consultant for the White House Conference on Families in Washington, D.C. and conducted regional conferences in Minneapolis and Los Angeles.
Family was very important to Don and he savored time spent with his children and grandchildren. He greeted every morning of his life with a smile, he loved the outdoors and the game of golf. Don had a steadfast love for his country and was always seeking a lively political discussion. He lived each and every day to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
A visitation is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 5 at Iles Funeral Homes-Dunn's Chapel concluded by a vigil service at 7 p.m. Thursday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 6 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials directed to The First Tee or Hospice of Central Iowa.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Friday, July 6, 2012, page 5B