Albert Doolin, 89, born 5-17-1913 in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, died 3-3-2003 at Oklahoma City. Son of Rosa Del Wilkey and Bat Doolin, the family moved to Criner, Oklahoma in 1925. Where he was raised by his mother and step father, Al McKinnon, there were 4 sisters and 2 brothers; Altha Faulkner, Calif.; Willard McKinnon, deceased; Adell La-Mon, Bethany; Lula Mae Fox, Norman; Francis Henson, deceased and Jim McKinnon, Blanchard. Being the independent sort, Albert set out on his own at a very young age. He remained independent and was a 'self made man' until his death. He moved to South Oklahoma City in 1937 got a job as he refused to get married until he had a good job so he could support his wife and family. Soon after going to work for Wesley Hospital as an orderly he married Lavinia Self. To this union was born one child, the light of each of their lives, Lavinia 'Darlene' Bullard. At one time, in order to make a better life for his wife and daughter he worked at three jobs. In 1944 while still employed at Wesley he started his own business, he was a big man with big hands and loved to work in the soil, he began landscaping and working with plants in the evening hours, eventually this lead to his full time employment and he was still mowing his own large lawn at the ripe age of 87. In late 1965 he married Geraldine Bliss Beavers, they enjoyed 25 years together before her death in 1991. Then in 1992 he married Ruby Cole. They moved from South Oklahoma City to their little ranchette in Edmond. He and Ruby had a wonderful and exciting life together. Their families were welded together as one huge family. With their favorite pastimes having all of the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and even one great, great grand child for family dinners which Ruby would prepare and everyone would enjoy. Albert was preceded in death by his wives, Lavinia and Geraldine, his parents, one sister and one brother. He is survived by his wife Ruby of the home, daughter, Darlene and husband Tom Bullard, Robert and Caroline White, Karl and Beverly White. Grandchildren Jerry Don Hancock, Darla Mach, Terry Hancock and Greg Wilks, Tommy Bullard, Rhonda Bullard and Wes Bullard, Robby White, Gay Lynn Dougherty, Crystal Rains, Leesa Christy, Holli Vaughn. Twenty-two great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. He is also survived by a very dear friend and confidant Jim Tappan, whom he would have been proud to call a son. Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday. March 6, 2003 at the Baggerley Funeral home on Broadway in Edmond, OK. Baggerley Funeral Home 930 S. Broadway, Edmond

.Published in The Oklahoman on March 6, 2003