Raymond E. Doyle

Raymond, 95 years old, of Holt, MI, went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, January 7, 2022.  Ray was born October 6, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Edward and Helen (Donahue) Doyle.  He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and upon graduation promptly and proudly joined the Army Air Force during World War 2.  He was enrolled in the Cadet Flying Program – a passion which continued throughout his life.  He was proud to have served his country and never failed to acknowledge and encourage his fellow veterans whenever he encountered them.

Ray held various positions in industrial sales and retired from Granger Waste Services.  Ray enjoyed reading, keeping up with his friends and family on Facebook, golf, cross country skiing, and swimming.  In November he finished writing his first short story entitled “Out of the Night.” He and Merle also served as volunteer counselors through their church for many years.  Ray loved dogs and cats and was a longtime supporter of Ingham County Animal Shelter.  Ray loved Jesus and was a passionate witness who shared his faith and prayed with people every chance he got.  He especially loved to pray for babies and their parents.

Ray is survived by his children, Cynthia (Mike Shutter) Doyle, Sharon Smith, Peter Doyle, Susan (Josh) Beers, Michael (Kathy) Burtraw, and Jennifer (Joe) Kirschner; his niece and nephew, Michael and Teresa Doyle; and his beloved cat, Bella.

In addition, he is also survived by his grandchildren, Austin and Allyson Shutter, Jessica (Jason) Klein, Lindsey (Kyle) Bernard, Brandon (Jessica) Burtraw, Taylor (Adam) Van Dyke, Michael, William and Paul Kirschner; his six great-grandchildren, Emma, Easton and Elissa Klein, Hadley and Haisley Bernard, and Lincoln Van Dyke; as well as many beloved friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 37 years, Merle; his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Anita Doyle; first wife, AnnaRose McArdle; daughter-in-law, Lydia Burtraw; and son-in-law, Kevin Smith.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Pennway Church of God, 1101 E. Cavanaugh in Lansing.  Interment will follow at Deepdale Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel on Thursday, January 13th, from 6-8 p.m. and again on Friday at the Church for one hour prior to the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham County Animal Shelter or Life Challenge of Michigan.

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.  Even youths will become weak and tired and your men will fall in exhaustion.  But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:29-31