Donald "Dean" Doyle

Donald “Dean” Doyle, a friend to many and the true patriarch of his family passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 16, 2023.

Dean was born to Walter St. Clair & Melva Lee (Hood) Doyle on October 13, 1937. Dean and his five siblings, Phyllis, Maxine, Donna, Wayne, and Mavis grew up on Hill Street in Hannibal and attended the Catholic school. Dean graduated from McCooey Catholic High School in 1955.Shortly after, Dean married Donna Joy (Hayes) on January 17, 1958 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church of Hannibal.

By 1961 they had three kids in diapers, Chris, Tim, and Lisa. Dean was a real family man and provider. Through the summers you could find Dean and the family out on the Mississippi boating. Dean and Donna were known for their banter. Despite their over 1 foot difference in height they were equally matched opponents at times. They even teased about getting divorced but never would because they wanted the same attorney, Marion Wasinger.

Professionally, Dean worked as a contractor, developer, and home builder, helping to develop the Surrey Hills subdivision, the James Road/St. Mary’s Avenue junction, and the Park Terrace condos, in addition to many homes throughout Hannibal. Dean continued his entrepreneurial ventures, which included opening a clothing boutique with Donna called “London Limited.” Dean was known for his frugal nature, however, Donna would say, “He is a tight-ass.” As “empty nesters” Dean and Donna, along with Don and Ann Atkins, helped in founding Prestige Realty,Inc. in 1978 where he held his real estate brokers license for several years. Dean never truly retired and could be found working on one of his apartments, out at the shop, or overseeing someone’s job site.
 
Later in life Dean enjoyed his friendships at Hannibal Country Club. He wore the pants in the family as long as Donna picked them out, which she always made sure were bright colors so he could be spotted on the golf course.  A morning ride to the course in one of his classic cars was the perfect start to the day. He could often be seen in his 1977 Ford gray pickup that he bought new off of the Tom Boland lot. After owning it for nearly 40 years.  Dean was asked if he would ever consider selling it, to which he replied, “I might sell it soon but I still have 2 more payments.” He especially loved his 1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible, which he often drove in local parades.

Dean also loved celebrating birthdays and holidays with his family. No birthday was gone uncelebrated in the Doyle home. Dean and Donna were known for their X-rated, maybe R-Rated, Halloween parties that they hosted annually (they were X-rated). Later in life Dean and Donna traveled the world visiting Alaska, Europe, Russia, and Australia with friends. In the summers they wintered in Fort Myers, where Dean could continue golfing year round. He was a gentle heart and deeply cared for his friends and family. No matter the cloth you were cut from, Dean treated each person with sympathy and respect.

 Dean is survived his wife Donna; his sisters, Maxine Moore, Mavis Lehenbauer and Donna Lee Doyle; his brother, Wayne Doyle; his children, Chris (Kristin Veatch) Doyle, Tim (Patty Lennox) Doyle, 
Lisa (Jack) Kairy; 8 grandchildren, Kari (Scott) Williams, Kory (Megan) Horstmeyer, Alisa(Adam) Hays, Kacey (Ethan) Buckman, Adam (Olivia) Kairy, Jesse (Zach) Smith, Connor (Hailey) Doyle,
Clair (Mark) Ruhr; and 13 great-grandchildren, Lance, Emmalee, Karsyn, Maddie, Korgan, Kylan, Maisy, Harley, Fallon, Grayson, Renleigh, Patsy Jane and Dean.

The family will host a Home Going Gathering 5:00-8:00 pm Monday, October 23, 2023 at The Rialto at 601 Broadway Hannibal, MO 63401.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Donor's Choice, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Dean's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com  
 

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