Doyle Barlow, 1946-2019

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Doyle Barlow, long time resident of Mineola, passed away on Nov. 6, 2019. He was born June 5, 1946 in Nacogdoches to Turner Franklin Barlow and Lois Barlow Brake.

After attending Douglass High School in Texas, he joined the U.S. Army where he served for two years and had a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon his return, he began his career in law enforcement with the Nacogdoches Police Department, Robucks Raiders. Doyle married Kathryn Speights in 1970, and shortly after, they moved to Mineola. He continued working in law enforcement where he served as a deputy in the Wood County Sheriff Department and then as sergeant in the Mineola Police Department.

 A career change led Doyle to the hardware and lumber business, where he worked for over 40 years before retiring in 2017 from C&M Lumber in Alba.  Through the years, Doyle made lifelong friends with many contractors, builders, carpenters, painters, roofers and masons he worked with.

Doyle was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. His family and their activities were extremely important to him. He had the privilege of being both grandfather and father to his grandchildren, Dalton Willingham, John Willingham and Brittnie Christophersen. They thought of him as their hero, protector and as someone who never gave up no matter what the situation. 

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Kathryn; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Judson Miller of Mineola; grandson, Dalton Willingham of Mineola; grandson John Willingham, currently stationed at Fort Hood; granddaughter, Brittnie Christophersen of Mineola; brother, Don Barlow of Nacogdoches; and sister Pat Stewart of Nacogdoches.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. According to his wishes, a private memorial service will be held for the family. Memorials may be made to any veterans affairs programs, animal rescue shelter programs, or Hospice of East Texas.