Funeral services for Gary Wayne Doyle will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2017 in the Hart Funeral Chapel with Bro. Matt Wilson and Jay Falkner officiating. Interment will follow in the Downing Cemetery under the care and direction of Hart Funeral Home of Stilwell. Online guest book and obituaries available at:
Hart Funeral Home
On July 20, 1945 in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, Gary Wayne Doyle entered this life to two loving parents, Wilma Dean Doyle (Edgemon) and Loyd Franklin “Brownie” Doyle. He was soon followed by his younger brother, Ricky Loyd Doyle, and at the age of 15 he welcomed a baby sister, Brenda Elaine (Doyle) Stephenson into the world. Growing up in the Whitmire/Christie area, he often spoke fondly of working with his father on various farms, and his mother’s role of making their house a home. After graduating from Stilwell High School in 1963, he enlisted in the United States Navy and set out for San Diego, California, for basic training. Unfortunately, on July 19, 1964, Gary lost his father, leaving him as the primary caregiver for his mother and younger siblings. After being granted an honorable discharge from military service, Gary returned to civilian life and joined the workforce. Over the following years, he had many occupations. He sold magazines for a time in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and found employment as a welder, carpenter, and milk delivery driver among many others. Finally settling into a consistent line of work, he began driving an 18- wheeler cross-country, and continued to do so for many years. He enjoyed seeing the country, and proudly wore the label of being a “trucker.” Most of all, the man dubbed “Red Dobber” (for obvious reasons) by his fellow drivers enjoyed the wonderful friends he made over the many years and miles, and cherished the memories he made alongside them.
On May 12, 1973, Gary married Vivian Sue “Suzy” (Anderson) Doyle, and three years later they welcomed their first child, Kelly Leigh (Doyle) Falkner, on June 1, 1976. Desiring a more stable work environment in order to spend time with his newborn daughter, Gary finally found his calling when he hired on with Empire Gas and entered the business of propane sales. Combining his love for serving the public and truck driving, he’d finally found a profession in which he saw himself remaining for the rest of his life, and (like anything he ever did) he put his all into his newfound career. Gary remained with Empire Gas until 1986, when he purchased his own company, Steveson’s L.P. Gas (The company would later be renamed “Doyle’s L.P. Gas” after acquiring his Class 1 dealer’s license), following the birth of his son, Gary Franklin “Bud” Doyle on September 9, 1985. Around this time, he also began serving as a Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy with the Adair County Sheriff’s Department, and he was very proud of his time spent as a law enforcement officer.
Over the course of the next 23 years of business, Gary came into contact with many friends, employees, and customers whom he cared for deeply. He was an avid hunter, though in truth he rarely cared if he landed a kill or not. He simply enjoyed being out in nature, particularly in the mountains of Colorado, and the many close friends who joined him during his yearly hunting trips. He was further blessed over time with several beautiful grandchildren whom he loved with all of his heart: Alex Peyton (McGee) Bates, Mikaila Kathryn Suzanne Falkner, Zechariah Dewayne Doyle, Aidan Doyle Falkner, and McKenzie Alta Jade Doyle. He held his “favorite son-in-law,” Jason Daniel “Jay” Falkner, in high regard, and came to view him as a valued member of the family, as well as a friend. Of the many values that held importance in Gary’s life (honesty, work ethic, and family), family was certainly at the top of the list. His family was further completed by nephews Phillip Brett Doyle, Ricky Loyd Doyle Jr., and Jeffrey William Doyle, and niece Shawna Elizabeth Ellis, along with their many valued loved ones. He was also blessed with two children from a previous marriage, Steven Wayne Setser and Loyd Gilbert Setser.
Gary left this life on September 16, 2017. Though he will greatly missed, his legacy will live on forever through the memories of those he has left behind. Gary was not a man whose thoughts and deeds can be summarized in a single passage. However, the purpose behind them can: He was a man who, at all times and regardless of cost, did what he believed was right. No greater task could be asked of a man, and yet he carried that burden with a pride and conviction that very few could rival. Much like every material possession he ever owned, his eternal bliss was hard earned. Inch by inch, day by day, truth by truth. May he rest in peace at last.
