Doyle Elmer Beckwith Sr.

Doyle Elmer Beckwith, Sr. departed this life on October 17, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

He was born in McDougal, Arkansas on December 5, 1942, to James Daniel Columbus Beckwith and Dottie Beckwith (later Holifield). Losing his father at the age of eleven, Doyle was raised by his stepfather Louie Holifield with whom he had a close relationship.

Until his health failed, he enjoyed attending church at Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson, Missouri, and fishing, and hunting. A loving and laughter-filled friendship with Ernie Powell and Daniel Copeland allowed Doyle to make many memories in the boat on various lakes fishing for big bass. He was known for his talent for working on automobiles, particularly tractors, and he served as the head mechanic for East Carter Schools in Ellsinore for over twenty years.

Doyle married Viola Hartgroves on November 28, 1963, and they traveled to St. Louis for work for the first several years of their marriage. Eventually, Doyle and Vi moved to Ellsinore, Missouri to raise their three children.

Doyle is survived by his wife Viola Beckwith; three sons, Doyle Beckwith, Jr. (Becky), Delane Beckwith (Teresa), and Darnell Beckwith (Abigail); three grandchildren, Joshua Beckwith (Hannah), Makenzie Dicken (Ryan), and Peyton Tinsley (in Doyle and Vi’s life since her birth). His surviving brother, Daniel Beckwith (Sue) and many nieces and nephews will mourn his passing as well.

Doyle lit up when his great-grandchildren, Doyle Beckwith III and Calvin Beckwith (Josh and Hannah’s sons) and Ella Dicken and Carson Dicken (Makenzie and Ryan’s children) came to visit. In fact, picking out toddler “farm equipment” for the boys, stuffed animals for the girls, and outdoor equipment for Carson for birthday and Christmas presents brought him immense joy.

Doyle was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, and most of his siblings: Frank Beckwith (Phyllis), Laurence, “Bud,” Beckwith (Mary), James Beckwith (Joan), Ernest (Barb), Zorie Ray (Jessie), Gertrude Beecher (Orville), Rodie Payne (Willie), and Silvia King.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 20, 2025, from 5pm-7pm. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, beginning at 11am. All services will be held at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff, MO. with Brother Don Estes officiating.  Burial will take place at Qulin City Cemetery in Qulin, MO.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Doyle Beckwith Sr. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com