On Sunday, May 9th, 2021, Nathan W. Doolin, loving husband and great friend, passed away after a 2 ½ battle with stage IV cancer at the age of 68. He passed away with his wife by his side in their home in Des Moines, Iowa.
Nathan was born in January 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. Parker's 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 and 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 golden retriever, Donald D. Doolin, Jr., brother, Marie Doolin, sister, Edward Douglas LaMay, brother, Marjorie Cook, sister, Lynnelle 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 Sampson, beloved golden retriever.
