John Gerald Doyle

CMSgt John Gerald Doyle, USAF, Ret., 74, of Goose Creek, SC, widower of the late Ellen Rebecca Edmisten Doyle, died Saturday, June 4, 2011, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

Born April 14, 1937 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was one of four children of William Adrian Doyle and Catherine Elizabeth Shourds Doyle.  John held an associate's degree in aerospace ground equipment.

His aircraft maintenance career in the US Air Force began when he enlisted in 1957 and included him serving in the Vietnam War. With 31 years of honorable and faithful service, John retired in 1988.  John received numerous medals and citations including Meritorious Service Medal 1, AF Commendation, AF Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal,  Antarctica Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

One of John's favorite pastimes was being a "Mr. Fix-it" and he was appreciated throughout the neighborhood for always being very handy. 

John is survived by his son, Richard Lewis Pritchard and his wife, Cricket, of Moncks Corner, SC; daughter, Catherine Rose Lee Schmenk and her husband, Eric, of Ladson, SC; son, MSgt. John W. Doyle, USAF Ret. and his wife, Jenny, currently residing in Germany; and daughter, Sonia M. Bales and her husband, Charles, "Rusty" of Goose Creek, SC; five grandchildren, Jason Pritchard, Jeremy Pritchard, Sara Schmenk, Ryan Bales, Savannah Bales, Justin Doyle and Johanna Doyle; and sisters Catherine Eileen Brooker and Rosemarie Altpeter.  John is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Ellen and his brother William Merrill Doyle.     

The memorial service with full military honors will be held in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., NORTHWOODS CHAPEL, 2180 Greenridge Road, North Charleston, on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 2:00 pm.

Flowers will be accepted or a memorial donation may be made in John's name to Beacon Hospice, 786C Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC  29464.