Obituary of Keith Doughty

The Doughty family mourns the transition of their beloved father Keith Robert Doughty aka Kactus Keith danced off into the heavens on March 17th 2023.
He was born on November 20, 1937 in Poughkeepsie, NY to Waldo “Red” Doughty and Viola Doughty Sosta. He is survived by his girlfriend Ruth Theise of Poughkeepsie, NY; his sister Terrie Lee Schamberg of Hyde Park, NY;  his two sons Todd Doughty of New Paltz, NY; Ryan Doughty and his partner Joshua Taylor of Poughkeepsie, NY; daughter Noelle Doughty of Roseville, CA; son-in-law Jon Tornatore of Cool, CA; two grandchildren - Emily Doughty of Hyde Park, NY and Sage Tornatore of Roseville, CA; as well as several nieces and nephews. Keith was pre-deceased by his wife Carolyn Doughty; his son Scott Doughty and his daughter Kimberly Doughty.
      He lived his whole life in Poughkeepsie, graduating from Poughkeepsie High School. He went on to earn an associates degree in Agricultural service technology from SUNY Farmingdale. He was an Altar boy at Holy Trinity Church. He was also active in the Navy Reserves. 
   He wed his sweetheart Carolyn in 1959 and together they raised 5 children in the town of Arlington. He was a true Renaissance man. Early on he made a career of working in the dairy business at Fitchett Brothers Dairy and Dairy Lee. Later he worked at Dutchess Beer Distributors. He was a hard working man and entrepreneur - owning multiple home improvement and landscaping businesses. For decades he taught many how to line dance and earned the name Kactus Keith. He and his wife Carolyn owned K and C Music Factory where they used their passion for country music to provide entertainment at many weddings, and to teach country line dancing classes throughout the Hudson Valley. He was also a member of the Elks Club of Poughkeepsie and the Moose Lodge in Hyde Park. 
 He was everyone’s favorite cowboy - with a gentle demeanor, and a giant smile. He was a consummate gentleman that made everyone laugh and have a good time. He had love and charisma in his heart. He loved people and welcomed everyone into his life. The dance floor won’t be the same without him.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday March 23rd from 4-8 pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home at 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. A funeral service will be conducted at 10 am on Friday March 24th at Doyle Funeral Home with the Reverends Harry and Sherry Taylor officiating. To send an an online condolence or for directions - please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com.