Doyle E. Biller

Doyle was born July 21 1940 in El Reno, Oklahoma to William and Margaret Biller. He was the 6th child and the baby of the family. His siblings are Johanna Bollinger (Roy Dale), Leona Michelson (Perry), Joe Biller (Kathy), Lois Lagaly (James) and Esther Biller.
Doyle was born at home on the farm. The house he grew up in had no electricity and no running water. Doyle attended a country schoolhouse with only eight students spanning grades 1 through 8. Afterward, he continued on to El Reno High School, where in his senior year he drove the school bus each morning and afternoon- picking up and dropping off kids from nearby farms. He went on to attend El Reno Junior College for a year before transferring to the University of Oklahoma. His first year he lived with his brother Joe. Later he moved into a fraternity house. He loved telling stories from those years and no doubt kept a few of the best ones to himself. He was a life long Oklahoma Sooner fan.
He graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in Accounting. His first job was in Houston with Ernst & Ernst. In 1963 he took a job in New York with St. Regis Paper Company. It was in New York that he met his wife, Francine, at a party. They ran into each other at a different party the next night and that was the start of something special.
Doyle and Fran were married in July 1965 in New York. In the summer of 1968, Doyle was transferred to the St. Regis Los Angeles office, for what was supposed to be only 2 years. They ultimately settled in Downey, CA.
He earned his Real Estate License and then his Broker's License. This was a hobby for him in addition to his full-time job, first at the paper company and later at Industrial Forklifts.
He retired on his 60th birthday and that's when he really started wheeling and dealing in Kansas farmland and oil and gas leases. He was always looking for the next purchase or sale and loved the thrill of the deal. He said he never made any money until he retired.
Doyle and Fran were married almost 40 years before Fran passed. They have five children: Teresa, Maggie, Bill, Susie and Doyle. Their house had an open-door policy and had lots of bonus kids around who were considered family. It was a lively and busy place.
The family took many station wagon road trips to Oklahoma and flights to New York to visit family. They ate dinner together each night as a family. There were bike rides, Friday night pizza dinners, driving lessons, donuts and bagels. He often had a backyard garden and could grow enough zucchini to feed the neighborhood. He perfected the "Oklahoma Goodbye" and was always the last to leave an event. He often would stay after mass to greet people while standing next to the priest.
He kept up with friends from all phases in his life and would make calls to reach out and maintain the relationships. Every day his phone rang with calls from family and friends wanting to connect with him, share news, ask for his sound advice or just hear his voice. He was very social and never met a stranger. He struck up conversations everywhere he went and could find a connection with anyone. He greatly valued all of his friendships.
He remained close with his children and grandchildren, rarely missing a birthday, graduation, athletic event or school performance. He was known for making homemade ice-cream, chili and chocolate chip pancakes for his grandkids. He loved to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with his famous corned beef and cabbage dinner.
Doyle found a companion in Mary Pat Smith. Doyle and Mary Pat enjoyed traveling and spending time together in their part of Kansas. For years, he traveled to SE Kansas a couple of times a month. Mary Pat has become part of the family.
Doyle sold the house in Downey and moved to Villa Park in 2016, just one street over from Susie and Jerry.
On Wednesday morning, October 8, 2025, he passed away peacefully. He was adamant that he was tired and done and ready to go. He said many times over the last several years how he had had a wonderful life with no regrets and was the luckiest man in the world. He wanted us to celebrate his life.
He was always positive and fun to be around. He had a smile and a story -usually the same one (J.O.B.), but we still enjoyed them. He had a very sharp mind and quick wit. He was also very generous. Doyle lived a full and joyful life. He built a family and a legacy that will live on through the people who loved him most. He will be missed every day, but we find comfort in knowing that he left this world with a heart full of love and a life well lived.
He is survived by his children: Teresa Ascarate (Mike), Maggie Bartlett (Greg), Bill Biller (Nancy), Susie Rickmeyer (Jerry) and Doyle Biller. He is survived by 14 grandchildren: Rachel Ascarate, Will Ascarate, Sam Ascarate, Catherine Bartlett, Sarah Bartlett, Michael Bartlett, Kyle Biller, Jessica Biller, Allison Biller, Eva Biller, Zachary Rickmeyer (Alicia), Jonathan Rickmeyer, Daniel Rickmeyer and Jack Rickmeyer, companion Mary Pat Smith, his brother Joe, sister Esther brother-in-law Perry and by numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.