Memorial Service/Lunch as a family to be held Sunday, February 5th, 2023, 12:30 P.M. at Victory Life Church, 4100 North Travis St, Sherman, TX 75092

Additional Memorial Service/Lunch as a family to be held Saturday, February 25th, 2023, 11:30 A.M., at Faxon First Baptist Church, Faxon, OK  73540

Doyal Leon Reed was born on March 31st, 1942 to Lola Virgina (Wright) Reed and Thomas Jefferson Reed, Sr.  near Coalgate, Oklahoma in Coal County. Doyal was the youngest of ten children. Only eight of those ten lived to become adults.

In the early years of Doyal's life, the family moved to Chattanooga, Oklahoma where he was raised. He graduated from Chattanooga High School with the class of 1960.  His favorite pastime in late high school and after, was spending time with a friend riding horses and bulls. He enjoyed attending rodeos and working at them. He rode bulls in local rodeos a few times.

Over the years after high school, Doyal gained experience in construction work, agriculture, sales, and management.

Doyal served with the United States Army from November 18, 1963 to November 17, 1965 where he trained as a radar operator, was class leader/trainer and enjoyed being on the Army Rifle Team. He went with the team to various meets. He was awarded the Marksman Badge (Rifle) and the Sharpshooter Badge (Carbine).

In the following year he married his wife of 56 years Wilma Jean Thornton on August 12th, 1966.

Doyal worked in construction, sales and management, primarily as an independent construction contractor, doing mostly remodel work.  He built a few houses from the ground up and assisted clients with remodel designs for what they wanted built or remodeled.

Doyal graduated from OK Missionary Baptist College and Seminary in Marlow, OK in 1977 with a degree in Bachelor of Applied Ministries.  He was ordained to The Gospel Ministry in Valier, Montana in the fall of 1978 where he began his pastorate. After returning to Oklahoma, he was an associate pastor and pastored two churches.

Doyal and Wilma followed his calling as a pastor and counselor to a few states far and wide.  From Faxon, Oklahoma to Valier, Montana, back to Faxon, then to Howe, Oklahoma, and back to Faxon - I guess you could call Faxon their home.

Along with being a counselor and teacher, he worked for VisionQuest Hat Corps which was a parent secure facility.  There were no fences or locked doors.

He worked in maintenance and nightwatch before becoming one of the Treatment Family Advocates for troubled juvenile offenders from ages 12-18 which fueled his passion. He enjoyed being a counselor here more than any of his other counseling positions.

About 7 years ago, Doyal and Wilma moved to Sherman, TX. Victory Life Church in Sherman became their church home. Doyal attended Charis Bible College one semester and loved going to various Care groups where God's Word was shared and for fellowship.  After Thanksgiving they moved to Denison, TX next door to Dave and Mindy where they had created a wonderful home for Doyal and Wilma.

Doyal enjoyed working with wood and working with leather.  He built a wooden coffee table gun safe which was one of his favorite projects.   He has carved a picture of Jesus, the Shepherd, in leather. Recently he made from kits: billfolds, and belts which he sold. Also from kits: he made leather bracelets for granddaughters and other family members and desk name plates for Christmas presents last year.

Doyal is survived by his wife, Wilma Jean Reed of the home; three sons: Doyal Bartley and wife Carolyn of Fouke, AR, their three daughters, Montana Klorise, Dekki Nicole, and Shilo Rose;  A second son, Dave Allan and wife Melinda of Denison, TX, their two daughters, Zoe Nichole and Mercedes Elese; The youngest son, Eric Leon and wife Tobe of Overland Park, KS, their two daughters, Ava Elizabeth and Elin Mae. Eric and his first wife, Amber, had a daughter, Grace Erin. These granddaughters brought a sparkle to Doyal's eye and were very special to him. Doyal is also survived by one sister, Mildred Shoopman of Frederick, OK.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Thomas, Sr and Lola Reed; two brothers, Beauford and Thomas Jefferson, Jr; four sisters, Dortha Hampton, Eva Woods, Louise Moeller, and Leona Pasquali.