Doyal “Spike” Lindsey, November 25, 1922 – October 20, 2024

Doyal, a retired Radiological Technician and lifetime resident of the Springfield area, passed peacefully on October 20, 2024 at 101 years of age. Spike was born November 25, 1922 in his grandparents’ home, the firstborn to his parents Burl and Elsie Lindsey.

When he was 11, his dad asked Doyal to drive the wagon and team of horses from Clever to Sacville, Missouri. Doyal got up early and made the 29-mile journey, accompanied only by a cousin who was a few years older than him.

He and his family moved around frequently during his youth, and he attended 10 different schools prior to his graduation from Marion C. Early High School in Morrisville, Missouri in [1940].

Doyal was a runner and 2^nd baseman for the high school softball team, but of all his athletic endeavors, he owes the most to roller skating, for it is how he met his wife, Ruth.

Spike and Ruth met at the Doling Park skating rink in the spring of 1942. Spike loved to skate fast and was whistled down many times by the rink staff. He proposed to Ruth at the skating rink; she accepted after he proposed only three times. They married November 21, 1942 at a preacher’s house in Ozark, Missouri. Spike was called to active duty one month later.

Doyal was drafted into the Army in December, 1942 during World War 2. He was pulled from basic training after three weeks and placed into X-Ray school. He soon began teaching Radiologic Technique for the Army. After several installations, he was sent to Buford, England, 40 miles from the bombing in London. At this hospital, he treated wounded soldiers brought in from the front lines. He said sometimes the ambulances were backed up as far as you could see.

After his discharge from the Army, he was hired as a Radiologist at Springfield Baptist Hospital, where he worked his way up to Head of the Department. When Baptist Hospital closed, he started working at St. John’s Hospital (now Mercy) in the position of Special Procedures. He was Mercy’s very first “Employee of the Year”. The people counting votes said he got so many votes that they stopped counting. Spike retired at 79 years of age, working part time in Mercy’s Sports Medicine Department. He would have worked much longer if Radiology had not transitioned to computers.

Spike’s gentle, quiet, humble character touched many lives during and after his tenure in Radiology. He was well known and respected by all of his colleagues and associates, who knew they could depend on him for expert workmanship, never wavering. Doctors and fellow technicians relied on his integrity; he helped many injured and ill patients. Not only was Spike respected for his workmanship, he trained many people, who still thank him for his instruction.

Doyal attributed his good health and longevity to eating good food, especially brown beans with hot sauce. He would also advise being careful not to eat too much sugar.

Doyal and Ruth shared 81 years together. During those years, they loved to travel. They visited almost all 50 states, Canada, England, France, and even played bagpipes on a mountain in Scotland.  They took several trips in an RV with six other family members; there was plenty of entertainment and laughter.

Doyal and Ruth have been lifelong faithful Christians. They have many Christian friends and have devoted their lives in service to the church and others. Doyal was an elder when the church began meeting at Sunset and Fort. He remained faithful until death and was planning to go to early services the day he had a stroke. He was an inspiration to all with his faithfulness, gentle nature, and humility.

Doyal was predeceased by his parents, Burl and Elsie Lindsey, his sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Charles Dixon, and son-in-law, Leroy Davis.

He will always be lovingly remembered by his wife, Ruth; his children, Sue Davis, and Darrell and Peggy Lindsey; his grandchildren (and their spouses): Jon (Makesha) Davis, Duane (Michelle) Lindsey, Devin (Gretchen) Lindsey, Richie (Kristy) Davis, Kristy (Randall) Wakefield; his great-grandchildren (and their spouses): Kayla Tortat, Maggie Tortat, Ariel (James) Barasch, Katelyn (Ben) McLarry, Raleigh Wakefield, Rhett Wakefield, Kayla Lindsey, Chase Lindsey, Abby Davis, Trent Lindsey, Kylie Lindsey, Lexi Davis; and great-great-grandchildren, Marcus, Sampson, and Lila.

If you would like to make a charitable contribution as a tribute to Doyal, please consider a donation to Happy Hollow Bible Camp in Strafford, Missouri, or Fair Haven Children’s Home in Strafford, Missouri.

Doyal delighted in his family; he loved when they would come to visit. Those who knew and love him will miss his wonderful, sweet, gentle nature and wisdom every day.