Carl Frederick Doolen, Sr., of Ozark, MO was born on February 10, 1941 in Decatur, IL and passed away June 26, 2021 in Springfield, MO.

He was a kind and loving partner to his spouse, Concepcion (Connie) as well as an amazing father to four sons: Carl Doolen, Jr, Mark Doolen, Steven Ornelas, and Isiah Doolen. He called our daughter-in-law, Valorie, his best friend. There is nothing he and Little Bit (as he called Valorie) would not do for each other.

He is also survived by his beloved sister, Della Mahala Purdy, and credits her with him staying slim by always relieving him of his ice cream. His treasures were the grandchildren whom he spoiled by sneaking them treats when they had already been told no. Who was going to spank papa, as he was best known to them, anyway. Where papa was you would usually find his furry best friend, Ollie Jean, who was just as spoiled by him as the grandkids.

He is predeceased by those who raised him to be the kind, considerate, thoughtful, and hardworking person he was: his Grandma Nella Mahala, his Aunt Jeanie, and his mother whom we knew best as Grandma D (Dorothy May). His father was Carl E. Doolen who spent a lifetime serving our country.

Growing up, Carl was well-known for his athletic abilities in swimming, baseball, football, and his favorite sport of all, coon hunting. His friends defined him as a “man’s man” because of the example he set and the distance he was willing to go for others. He had the biggest and most generous heart. He would give the shirt off his back to a complete stranger, even if it was his last shirt, and never give it a second thought. Carl was usually seen wearing his western hat and boots, and if possible, preferred horseback riding to other modes of transportation.

Carl knew no strangers. He could talk for hours to anyone willing to listen and have a new friend before the conversation ended. It is through prayer and faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ, that he lived and modeled his life. He would want to be remembered with a smile knowing he is now enjoying being in God’s presence.

Isaiah 46:4 I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Carl’s memory to Jacob’s Ladder (a legacy home, which provides end-of-life care to individuals) or Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks c/o Greenlawn South, 441 West Battlefield Springfield, MO 65807.