Joshua Stephen Dolan, son of Georgetown residents Mark and Pat Dolan, passed into eternity on December 24, 2015, in Aurora, Colorado, after suffering a seizure resulting in severe brain damage that was irreversible and terminal.

Age 27 when he died, Josh was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He will be buried in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Born in San Diego, California on March 30, 1988, Josh and his family eventually settled in Texas. At an early age, he professed Christian faith and attended Christian schools through his graduation from high school in 2007.

While growing up, Josh discovered several hobbies and honed quite a few talents. Among these, he is especially remembered for his athletic prowess and his love for the outdoors. He was naturally gifted on the football and soccer fields as well as the basketball court. His dedication and teamwork always earned him leadership roles. Love for the outdoors led Josh to master the art of fly-fishing, which took him and his family to the streams and rivers of Idaho, Wyoming, and anywhere else he could drop a fly. He also had an uncanny ability at chess, and much to the dismay of his opponents, he rarely lost a game.

Josh entered the Marines immediately after graduation from high school. He saw 3 tours of duty during “Operation Iraqi Freedom” and “Operation Enduring Freedom” in which his buddies characterized him as a “Marine’s Marine.” It was in his role as a combat engineer in action in Afghanistan that Josh suffered a brain injury leading to seizures, and like so many other returning soldiers, his existence was marked by serious physical/emotional struggles. The final seizure on December 20 resulted in his death on Christmas Eve.

Many things defined Joshua's life. His family is proud of him for his decorous service for our country and grateful for the many years of joy his life brought them. The grief is deep and heartfelt by his family and girlfriend, fellow Marines, and a host of others whose lives intersected with his.

In addition to his parents, Josh is survived by his siblings, Adam, Jason, and Ashleigh, and his grandmother Marjorie Dolan as well as many aunts and uncles and cousins. A brief graveside service is scheduled at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen for Wednesday, January 6 at noon. Family and friends are invited to attend. Please arrive by 11:45 a.m. at the front entrance to the cemetery where you will be directed.



In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up at:

https://www.youcaring.com/mark-and-patricia-dolan-496797







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