Bob Doyle

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Robert E. “Bob” Doyle, age 88, of Joplin, MO., passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Spring River Christian Village.

Bob was born on June 17, 1933 in Joplin, the son of the late Robert E. Doyle and Gayle Groom (Doyle) Salas. He was raised in Joplin and has been a lifetime area resident.

During the summers of his teenage years, Bob traveled around the midwest with his Aunt Lena and Uncle Jim as a “carny.” There he learned how to develop photos, ride a bicycle sitting backwards and juggle. He worked the milk bottle game and joked that he knew how to set the bottles “just right.” He sent home all his extra cash to his mom to help pay the bills.

He also worked as a door usher at the Fox Theater in high school, where he fell in love with the gal working the concession stand, Orissa Gayler. Bob graduated from Joplin High School in ‘51; Risa finished her senior year the following year, and the two decided to elope shortly before her graduation. On April 25, 1952 they borrowed a friend’s car and took off to be married at the courthouse in Huntsville, Ar.

During his senior year in high school, Bob’s math teacher recommended him for a job working at Southwest Sash and Door, where he worked his way up to office manager and stayed with the company for 30 years. For many years he also had an evening job doing custodial work for Southwestern Bell, and eventually had his own successful custodial business, Doyle Floor Maintenance.

Bob and Risa raised three daughters-- Cindy, Angie and Julie. The family enjoyed summer vacations and weekend getaways to Five Mile, Slick Rock, canoe trips down the Elk River and road trips with the travel trailer to Mexico. They eventually got a small place on Grand Lake, a pontoon boat and a water weenie where they took their kids and grandkids for a number of summer vacations. Bob loved to water ski even though he never learned how to swim.

Bob was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of some. He was a great bowler, with the trophies to prove it. He renovated and flipped homes. He built a wood workshop where he and Risa would dream up ideas to make for their kids and grandkids; he crafted and she refined. He loved watching Cardinal’s baseball. He faithfully attended Park Plaza Christian Church for many years, where he served as a Deacon and helped out around the building however he could. Every Thursday evening Bob and Risa, the McMillans and the Von Gontens got together for Bible Study, dinner and a mean game of Mexican Train. He loved playing games and watching Wheel of Fortune.

When Risa’s health began to decline, Bob’s nurturing side really kicked in. He diligently took care of her needs and kept their three girls informed. In fact, he became quite chatty! Julie once quipped that he had become something like a 14-year-old schoolgirl ready to chat on the telly!

Bob’s quick wit and kindness won over all his caregivers in the last few years. He was always so appreciative of every person who entered his room. We’re so thankful for the staff at SRCV that cared for him so well. He was greatly loved and therefore will be greatly missed.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, his youngest daughter, Julie, and her husband, Mark, his brother Larry, and his sister Shirley Mitchell. He is survived by his daughters Cindy Lawson and husband Doug, Joplin, Mo., Angie Minshall and husband Steve, Grain Valley, Mo.; six grandchildren, Bethany Lawson, Brandon Lawson and wife Madina, Blaine Lawson, Cory Minshall and wife Katie, Stacey Barnoskie and husband Asa, Kyle Rowan and wife Kate; seven great-grandchildren, Isabelle Lawson; Audriana, Stella and Fletcher Minshall; Isaiah, Elliana and McKynli Barnoskie; and his brother John and wife Paula.

The family would like to send a special thank you to his caregivers at Avalon Hospice and Spring River Christian Village for their kindness and compassion shown to Bob in his final days.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Park Plaza Christian Church in care of the mortuary.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 8, 2021 at Park Plaza Christian Church. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.