Herman Doolin of Barbourville, KY, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
These words are offered in his memory — small, but heartfelt.
Some days simply pass; others stay with us forever.
Barbourville, Ky. Herman Doolin, 95, of California Holler, Knox County, Kentucky, passed away May 4, 2026. Herman was born October 20, 1930 at 3:00 AM as he often told those who asked his birthdate. Herman was born in Girdler to the late John Doolin and Bessie Disney Doolin.
Herman was raised in Knox County and later moved to Harlan, Ky., where he started his career as a coal miner in the coal camp at Gray's Knob. Herman had a strong work ethic and became a member of the United Mine Workers of America. While in Harlan, he met his first wife Lois Williams, and to that Union three children were born. Herman and his family moved to Dayton, Ohio where he started working as a dock worker for Wilson Freight in South Charleston, Ohio. While working for Wilson Freight, he joined the International Brotherhood Teamsters. After retiring, Herman moved back to his home in Knox County.
Herman had a lot of charisma and was liked by everyone he met. He loved sweets and would keep his pockets full peppermint candy to give to others. He had a love for anything outdoors. Herman loved fishing, and hunting which provided food for his family. He also enjoyed four-wheeling, gardening. And watching the Cincinnati Reds and Kentucky Wildcats play ball.
In addition to his parents, Herman was preceded in death by his second wife, Vauda Smith Doolin, Mike Smith, granddaughter Amy Devers, great-granddaughter Ashley Doolin, brothers: Reid Doolin, Jim Elbert Doolin, Leonard Doolin, and sisters: Maude Doolin and Charity Doolin, and son-in-law David Roberts.
Herman is survived by the mother of his children Lois Doolin, children: Herman Doolin Jr. and wife Carol, Evelyn Roberts, Lisa Hale and husband Bobby, daughter-in-law Billie Smith, grandchildren, Robert Penwell, Christopher Doolin, Jason Doolin, Bradley Doolin, Bryan Roberts, Eric Roberts and wife Emily, Kristy Truitt and husband Justin, Kevin Hale, Joe Hale and wife Becky, Jenny Asher and husband Jason, Mike T. Smith, and special nephew, Kenneth Doolin. Herman also leaves behind 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather at Hopper Funeral Home on Thursday, May 7, at 1:00 PM and will travel in procession to Barbourville Cemetery for a 2:00 PM service and interment. Reverend Tommy Frazier will officiate. Family and friends will serve as Casket Bearers.
The Doolin family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Pederson and Dr. West, Barbourville ARH and Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Mrs. Lorena Blankenship, Mr. Reid Brewer, Mr. Robin Reese, Mrs. Brenda Johnson, Ms. Quinlyn Chrisco, Mr. Steven Walker, and Mr. Darren West, express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Herman Doolin.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is entrusted with all services for Mr. Herman Doolin.
