James Dooley

James Celton Dooley, beloved son, brother, husband, and uncle walked into the arms of his Lord, passing this life on February 9, 2023. Born in Hobbs, NM October 9, 1939, Celton (Celt) Dooley lived most of his life in Hobbs, graduating from Hobbs High School in 1957 after proudly playing football for the Hobbs High Eagles. During high school, Celt gained what would become a lifelong love and fascination with cars, engines and all things mechanical. His skill at assembling and disassembling an engine was a site to behold. He gladly shared his knowledge with others and gained many fellow enthusiasts through the years who became longtime friends.

Celt attended college at the University of Houston as well as New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM before returning to Hobbs where he married the love of his life, Kathaleen Spurlock. They wed May 16,1964 at Highland Baptist Church.

Celt worked for the Pot Ash Mines on the Carlsbad Highway as well as Conoco Phillips before moving to Odessa where he worked for Caterpillar Industries. The pull was just too strong so he and Kathaleen returned to live the remainder of their lives in Hobbs.

Celton Dooley was a simple, kind man who walked humbly with his Lord and served Him faithfully as a longtime member of Temple Baptist Church. He will be dearly missed but remembered and loved as he lives on in the hearts of all those who loved and knew him.

Celton was proceeded in death by his parents, James I. and Mary Alice Dooley of Hobbs, and his wife, Kathaleen Dooley also of Hobbs. Celton is survived by two sisters, Mary Delores Christian of Midland, TX and Jonnie Marie Bell of Abilene, TX as well as niece Lindy Bell of Plano, TX, nephews Randy Christian of Grapevine, TX, Marc Christian of Midland, TX, and Larry Bell of Abilene, TX.