Martin ("Marty") Leon Dooley, Sr., age 81, of Terre Haute, Indiana went peacefully to be with the Lord on October 13, 2024.  Marty was born in Vincennes, Indiana, but grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was a star basketball player at State High School in Terre Haute and had earned a full ride scholarship to Indiana State University…where he promptly discovered that he didn't care much for college.

He then enlisted in the Marines, serving two tours as a helicopter side-gunner in Vietnam until his discharge in March 1967.  He wasted no time and married Cathy on June 3rd that same year.

Soon after, he applied to become a Terre Haute City Police Officer.  Over his 34-year career in law enforcement, he rose through the ranks to serve as Assistant Chief and eventually retired as a Lieutenant.  More than that, he forged lifelong friendships with many officers and families over the years, with none closer than his best friend, George Ralston.

After retiring from the Police Department in 2002, he led the Terre Haute Code Enforcement team for nine years before officially retiring after an incredible career serving his country and his community – a career filled with stories of danger, bravery and camaraderie, as well as humor, banter and pranks.

Post-retirement, you could often find Marty and Cathy "on patrol" frequenting McDonald's and/or Starbucks while they drove throughout Terre Haute almost daily for the years that followed, oftentimes ending up in their favorite parking spot in Deming Park. For those who knew him, the man loved food, loved his wife and kids, family and friends, loved his country and was always a steadfast provider – a generous protector who would always have your back.

Marty and Cathy were married for 57 years and raised their two children, Kathaleen and Marty Jr.  He was a man filled with joy and pride for his wife and kids - They were the center of his life and there is no question they were loved and protected.

Marty is survived by his wife Catherine, sister Susie Leedy, daughter Kathaleen Louk (Eric), son Martin L. Dooley Jr. (Tara), along with two grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and one step-great granddaughter.  He is predeceased by his parents, William S. Dooley and Kathaleen (Berry) Dooley of Vincennes, Indiana, and his brother Floyd W. Dooley, Sr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The family would ask that in lieu of giving flowers, please make a charitable donation to the local Terre Haute Humane Shelter.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm at Samaritan Funeral Home with a service starting at 1 pm. Burial will follow at Clear Run Cemetery in Bridgeton. Online condolences can be made at www.samaritanfunerals.com.