John "Smiles" Doyle
Marriages
Margaret Cassidy - November 1, 1935
in Leadville, Colorado.
Burial Details
Obituaries
Unknown - Received from A. Beck - October 19
John "Smiles" Doyle, 86, died September 18 at the Porter Hospice in Denver. He was born in Leadville on May 20, 1912 to the late John & Ida (Gossard) [Gossert?] Doyle. He graduated from Red Cliff HIgh School in 1930.
Doyle worked at Mickey Walsh's garage in Red Cliff then at the Royal Gorge Bridge, where he was paid 10 cents an hour. in 1934, he began working in the newly reopened New Jersey Zinc mine's blacksmith shop and continued for the next 13 years.
On Nov. 1, 1935, he married Margaret Cassidy in Annunciation Catholic Church in Leadville. They bought a house at 414 W. 7th Street in 1948 which would remain the family home for the next 50 years.
In 1947, Doyle became the state mine inspector, traveling across Colorado for 30 years and retiring in 1977.
He loved dancing with Margaret and playing catcher on local softball teams. He was an excellent bowler and had taken up gold more recently until his eyesight began to fail him. He was well-known for his wonderful sense of humor.
He was active in the Leadville Assembly. After the death of Bob Nelson, he became the Assembly's chairman, overseeing the welfare of the Matchless Mine near Leadville.
Doyle was a lifetime member of Annunciation Church in Leadville, was active int he Knights of Columbus, and was a member of the Elks Lodge.
Even though the Doyles bought a condo in Cherry Creek in Denver in 1985, Leadville remained their preferred home. But on October 30, 1987, Margaret suffered a stroke and the decision was made that they would move to Denver and live with their daughter Marge Doyle Wagner. Margaret died in 19943 and Smiles continued to live with Marge until his death.
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a sister, Polly Jeffries, Minturn; a brother, Dan (Mary) Doyle, Texas City, Texas; and three nephews: Dr. Don (Betty) Jeffries, Chula Vista, CA; Dr. Don (Tracy) Doyle, Fairfield, CA; and John Walker Doyle, Texas City, TX.
The rosary was recited September 21 and Mass of Christian Burial September 22 both at the Annunciation Church in Leadville. Father Tom Killeen officiated. Musicians were Joan Dawson, Neil Reynolds, Dean Ferran, and Dustin Burk. Neil Reynolds delivered the eulogy and George Malesich gave the readings.
Pallbearers were Bill Skala, Joe Jakopic, George Malesich, Howard Tritz, Fred Ruthruff and Roger Pierce. Honorary pallbearers were Rudolph Kuss and Frank Sherwood. He was buried in St. Joseph Cemetery in Leadville next to his wife of 60 years. A reception followed the interment at the Elks Lodge. Arrangements were by Bailey Funeral Home.
