David Doyle was a teacher to hundreds, a passionate preacher to thousands, and a loyal friend to many. An avid reader and lifelong learner, in his 80s he was still studying and working on a commentary on the book of Exodus. David died Sept. 5 at age 86.
Joining the U.S. Army after high school, David later graduated from Calvin College (now University) and Seminary, was ordained in 1966, and served Crownpoint Christian Reformed Church, N.M., on the Navajo Reservation. He then pastored Pioneer CRC in Cedar Springs, Mich., before moving his family to Mexico City, Mexico, to teach at the Juan Calvino Seminario, training native Hispanics to preach and teach in their own language and in their own villages. Moving to Chula Vista, Calif., he ministered over the border into Tijuana and also pastored Chula Vista CRC. After a 15-year break, David was reordained in 1995 and pastored Pinegate CRC in Cutlerville, Mich. Through the years he pursued doctoral studies at Oral Roberts University.
After retirement in 2000, the Doyles found great joy and great friends as he filled two different interim pastor positions at Volga CRC in South Dakota.
David enjoyed crocheting and over the years, made each of his children an afghan. More recently, while in a nursing home, he made himself a lap afghan. He loved traveling and enjoyed many memorable family camping trips to national parks.
David and his wife, Lyla, celebrated 65 years of marriage a month before his death. He is survived also by five children, 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.
