The Miss-Lou community lost another beloved member of its medical community this weekend. Dr. Paul Doherty, 76, a retired optometrist and founder of the Doherty Vision Clinic on Franklin Street, died at Natchez Community Hospital Saturday morning.

&uot;I know that he was a very caring individual who participated in his church well,&uot;&160;said Dr. Don Killelea.

Doherty was a member of St. Mary Basilica, was active in the community and often helped those who could not afford eye-examinations, Killelea said.

Doherty was a member of the Santa Claus Committee and the Krewe of Killarney.

He also served as St. Patrick during one of the Krewe’s annual parades.

&uot;I think he was our first St. Patrick to die,&uot; said Krewe of Killarney member and former Natchez Mayor Tony Byrne.

Doherty was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American and Mississippi Optometric associations.

He served as a Naval fighter-pilot during World War II.

He also used to coach for Cathedral School, Byrne said.

&uot;He was a real fine guy and donated a lot of time to children and coaching,&uot; Byrne said.

&uot;He was always trying to help somebody.&uot;

Doherty is survived by his wife, Joyce Cloy Doherty, and three sons, two of whom now operate the Doherty Vision Clinic.

He was a good father to his three children, Killelea said.

Complete obituary information is available on page 10A.