James "Pete" Dolan

James "Pete" Harold Dolan passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2012. Born March 2 1930 to James E Dolan and Julia Hayes in Ronceverte, West Virginia. He was one boy in a family of five girls. As a young man, he worked hard and played harder. He left high school early to go to work and help support his family but later earned his diploma when given the opportunity. After three marriages, he decided to stay a bachelor but felt very blessed with his four children: Kathy, Jerry, Lori and Jennifer. He loved them each and was very proud of them. He lived in several different states but always claimed Texas as his 'home.' He often made jokes about being a hillbilly and everyone knew Pete for his sense of humor. Later in life, he became a daily volunteer at a local nursing home bringing smiles to those he befriended there. He also found time and energy as a head start volunteer. He loved children, and wouldn't miss birthdays, ball games or recitals of his many nieces and nephews. He also had a heart for animals of all kinds having owned horses, dogs and cats throughout his life. He Also loved fish but only if they jumped on his hook. Pete made many friends throughout his life playing bingo, cards, or losing at golf. While not a religious man, he claimed a faith in God and would secretly watch the gospel channel if he thought no one was home. He was able to live with his youngest daughter's family for the last few years and enjoy two boisterous granddaughters who thought painting grandpa Pete's fingernails quite fun. He would get his revenge by feeding them cookies for breakfast or chocolate doughnuts for dinner. Pete joins his parents, two beloved sisters and several other distant relatives that have already passed on. He leaves behind three sisters: Helen, Betty, Janice and their families whom he also loved. He leaves behind children Kathy, Jerry and Lori along with grandkids whose many pictures were some of his most prized possessions. His absence will be most painfully felt by his daughter Jen, son in law Josh, and two little girls Eliana and Maya who still have nail polish they wanted to use on Grandpa. As per his wishes, no public service will be held but family will get together to celebrate his life. A special thanks to his church family at Gate City Christian for their years of patient friendship to Pete, to his hospice team at the end of his life, and to the superb staff of Highland Hills as they cared for him when his family could no longer. "Whoever does unto the least of these, has done unto me." Matthew 25:40. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.