R.D. "Doc" Tindol

R.D. "Doc" Tindol, 84, of Big Spring died Wednesday, May 21, 2014, after courageously fighting severe health issues for two years. He was born September 27, 1929 in Ryan, Oklahoma and lost both parents, John Robert and Gertrude Tindol when he was 2 1/2 years old. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Henry and Addie Miller in Texas. Doc attended Coahoma schools and joined the United States Army in 1949 during the Korean War where he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star in 1950. After spending 42 days in a hospital in Japan he returned to Texas and married Myrt Norwood March 28, 1952. They had been married 61 years when she passed away in January of this year. Doc worked in the oil field for many years. He returned to school to earn his Bachelor's Degree from East Texas State University and taught at Coahoma Junior High and High School. He also worked many other jobs, sometimes simultaneously, while raising his family. Doc was a 32nd Degree Mason and Past Master of Coahoma Masonic Lodge #992, A.F. & A.M. and had earned his 60 year pin last year. He is survived by daughter, Karen Goeke and husband, Tony; two sons, Dr. Neal Tindol and Dr. Rogan Tindol and wife, Lisa; three grandchildren, Greg Goeke and wife, Heather, Kimberly Blaine and husband, Chris, and William Tindol; and a great granddaughter, Piper Goeke. He is also survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sue Tindol, Betty Tindol, Nell Thames, Mattie Norwood, Sandy Norwood, Mary and John Palmer, James and Margie Norwood, and many nieces and nephews and special friends, Nita and Lonnie Wright and Billie Christie. A special thanks to sister-in-law, Mattie Norwood. In addition to his wife, Myrt, he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gertrude Tindol; aunt and uncle, Henry and Addie Miller; brothers, Robert Tindol, Grady Tindol, Waldo Tindol and wife, Dora Lee, Dick Tindol and wife, Jo, and J.L. Tindol; sisters, Valree Blaylock and husband, George, and Alma Patton; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Vivian and Gilbert Grantham, Martin "Bud" Norwood and Henry Thames. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 24, 2014, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rev. Mark Lindsey, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Greg Goeke, Will Tindol, Tim Tindol, Robbie Tindol, Chris Blaine, Butch Burcham, Josh Bethel and Zach Angel. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, May 23, 2014, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater West Texas Chapter, 4400 N. Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com.