On Sunday, May 9th, 2021 Nathan W. Doolin loving husband and great friend passed away at the age of 68, passed away with his wife by his side in Des Moines, Iowa.
Nathan was born in January of 1953 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Donald Doolin Sr. and Tina Mae. The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa where Nathan attended public schools and graduated from Des Moines Technical High in 1971 specializing in Radio and Television Production where he was co-host of the radio program Salt and Pepper. After high school Nathan attended the University of Northern Iowa where he was a TA for Professor H. Parkers class, “Culture of the Ghetto.” and taught a lively class of 30 students including a Neo-Nazi. He was active in the black community on campus and played drums at several events. In 1974 Nathan joined the Air force where he attained the rank of sergeant and was stationed at Grand Forks, North Dakota Air Force Base. After discharge in 1978 Nathan returned to Des Moines where he worked for a time as an EMT ambulance driver and then in 1979 he was employed as a Mental Health Technician at Lutheran hospital and worked there until he retired in 2015. Nathan was an avid reader, loved cross country skiing, biking, canoeing, and camping. An enthusiastic bicyclist he participated in Ragbrai several times. He and Penny often went camping and he was happiest near oceans or mountains.
Nathan is survived by his wife, Penny Doolin, Tina Mae, mother, Sadie, beloved pet, Donald D. Doolin, Jr., brother, Marie Doolin, sister, Edward Douglas LaMay, brother, Marjorie Cook, sister, Lynelle LaMay-Poe (Eddie), sister, Janean Doolin, sister, Doneta Doolin (Webb), sister, and Rolanda Doolin, sister. An uncle, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and friends. Nathan was preceded in death by his father Donald Doolin, Sr., Debra Doolin, sister, and Samson, beloved pet.
A funeral service will be held at the VA Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Dr., Adel, Iowa, on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life after the funeral from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Windsor Heights Community Center, 6900 School St., Windsor Heights, Ia. 50324. Masks will be required at both.
All donations will be used to send Nathans ashes to space (the more donations he receives the farther he will go). Send donations, flowers, and plants to 2610 56th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50310.
