Franklin Doyle

Franklin Doyle of Hagerstown went to Heaven on November 2, 2022, at the age of 96. He was lovingly called "Happy Pappy" by those he loved the most, his great-grandchildren: Kirsten Goodyear (Dakota), Kayla Armstrong, Haley and Lillian Doyle, and Wyatt Barnes. The rest of his family wasn't as important to him once the great-grandchildren came on the scene. He is survived by grandchildren: Christine Barnes (Evan), Rebecca Armstrong (Doug), and F. Jacob Doyle (Ashley), and children: Franklin Doyle, Jr. (Carol), F. Jay Doyle (Debbie), and Kim Doyle. He will be missed by them, his special friend Helen Davis, and many others.

He outlived his parents Frank Emory and Geneva Leather Doyle, and siblings: Emily Sheets, Geneva Turner, Gamma Lee Doyle, Emory Doyle, Mary Snook, and Anna Gibbs. He was married to Dorothy Lucille Frey Doyle for 50 years.

While he was alive, he could usually be found in his wood shop. Many of his friends and family count amount their treasured possessions items that he made for them. If he wasn't in his shop, he may have been found collecting aluminum cans for recycling.

He was generally reserved, unless you asked him how water rams worked. At that point, grab some snacks and settle in for a solid education. He putted around for many years collecting and showing his "put-puts" at antique gasoline engine shows.

In addition to tinkering as a hobby, he worked as a mechanic at Superior Dairy which led to a lifelong enjoyment of ice cream. He then spent over 40 years working at Foltz Manufacturing in Hagerstown first as a machinist and then as a salesman. His grandchildren still talk about the amazing number of parts catalogues he had in his back seat.

Sitting around a campfire with his family, he told many stories of his escapades from his Army days. He was a proud World War II veteran. The Army wasn't the only place he served. He held numerous leadership roles at Shiloh UMC throughout his life.

His ornery smile will long be remembered by those who knew him. Even the fabulous folks who helped care for him at Meritus and Twin Oaks got to see his smile. His family asks that in leu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Doey's House in Hagerstown where he spent his last days or Shiloh UMC.

J.L. Davis Funeral Home in Smithsburg will host a public viewing on Tuesday, November 8, from 6 - 8 PM. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 9, at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Hagerstown at 11:00 AM with a time for viewing before the funeral starting at 10:00 AM.

Online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.