John Scott Dougherty, 82, passed away on August 9, 2025, in Columbus, Indiana. Born on January 3, 1943, John was a true citizen of the world, having lived in numerous places due to his upbringing as an Army brat. His stops included Texas, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California, Hawaii, The Philippines, Japan and Germany. John graduated from Kaiserslautern American High School in Germany in 1961 and furthered his education at San Bernardino Valley College followed by San Diego State University. His career spanned various disciplines, primarily as a dynamic salesman in the moving industry, industrial sales, and specialty advertising. John served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman attached to a US Marine unit and later in the US Navy Reserves, John dedicated part of his life to military service, showcasing his commitment and resilience. John was a charter member of the Community Church of Columbus, where he actively participated in the men’s ministry and choir. His hobbies were as eclectic and vibrant as his personality; he enjoyed fishing, photography, watching racing and working with numerous Indy car teams. John was proudly the team photographer for 1999 Indy Car Champion Greg Ray. John also enjoyed gardening and woodworking. His dedication to public service shone through in his roles as a volunteer firefighter with the German Township Fire Department and as a volunteer at The USO at Camp Atterbury and The Atterbury/Bakalar Air Museum. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Dougherty; sons, John K., Dennis, Shaun (Amy), and Brett (Kim) Dougherty; daughters Alyssa Dougherty Mantooth (Michael) and Lindsey Dougherty Vanzant (Kyle); siblings, Patricia Swinford, Barbara Lee, and Thomas Dougherty; grandchildren; Allen Clawson, Paul Dougherty, Kent Hurst, Baier Hepworth, Ellis Dougherty, Reese Dougherty, Laney Dougherty, Fisher Mantooth, Olivia Mantooth, Sophia Mantooth, Everly Mantooth, Logan Vanzant, Brooks Vanzant, Cody Vanzant and Alana Vanzant, along with numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth W. and Lucille Brooks Dougherty. Visitation will be held at the Community Church of Columbus on August 15 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on August 16 starting at 9:00 AM. A memorial service will take place at the same location on August 16 at 10:00 AM with Pastors Michael Mantooth, Tom Long, Tom Rust and Chuck Coleman officiating. A burial will follow at the Westport Cemetery in Westport with military graveside services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to USO Indiana at www.uso.org/donate/indiana or Mission Resource International at www.missionresource.org/donate, organizations that were close to John’s heart. Bass & Gasper Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements and online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com
