Obituary of David Clarence Doyle, Jr.
David Clarence Doyle Jr. (D.C), age 91, of Merrill, Michigan passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026. In addition to living in Merrill, he also lived much of his life in Saginaw and Romeo, Michigan.
D.C. was born September 29, 1934 in Saginaw. He was the youngest of 11 children born to David C. and Edna Doyle. Upon his graduation from the University of Notre Dame he went on to serve an accounting internship at a firm in Dallas, Texas which is where he met and married his ‘Yellow Rose of Texas’, Rita Rae Robinson. Together they returned to Saginaw where they raised 6 children.
As parents, D.C. and Rita found great enjoyment in ice skating and spending time at the Doyle Family cottage on Crooked Lake in Conway, Petosky. In addition, they both took a special interest in watching, and for D.C. coaching, youth hockey leagues which both their boys played on. D.C. was an avid golfer in his earlier years and helped teach the entire family the game. Together, they all enjoyed an annual, less-than-serious round of family and invited guest golf outings for several consecutive summers. Later in life, he found great pleasure participating in the Silver Sneakers Program at the Freeland Sports zone, logging over 1000 miles on his Stand Up walker. DC was also a member of St Agnes Church.
D.C. was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Rita; 2 daughters, Rebecca (Becky) and her spouse Joe Posby, and a 2nd daughter, Jane; a special friend, companion and travel partner Dorothy Smith. He is also survived by his children, Sarah (Richard), David III (Teresa Marks), Peter (Marlene) and Mary. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren, Jason (Jenifer), Christopher (Megan), Steven, Dean (Payton), Katherine (Nicholas), Barbara (Jordan Dies), Thomas, Douglas, Shawn, and Scott. He also has 4 great-grandchildren, His brother Jack Doyle Also a friend of 40 years Robert San Miguel.
Of special note, he leaves behind a very dear group of friends and neighbors, His great conversation skills, wisdom and wide scope of interests will be missed.
The family is planning a private memorial service at a later date. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
