W. Doyal Schell

Doyal Schell passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 4th, 2015 after losing his battle with stomach cancer. He was born March 10, 1936 in Norton, VA to Dolly Wyant Schell and William D. Schell Sr. In 1954, he and his mother moved to Vancouver, WA where he attended Vancouver High School and Clark College.

Among the many things Doyal excelled at, he was a mechanic, master carpenter, contractor and musician. He was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Doyal served in the Army Reserves until his medical discharge due to diabetes. He played trombone and tuba in the Army band.

A member of Memorial Lutheran Church for over 55 years, he served as a choir director and a confirmation class instructor. He was a go-to man for all church building and repair projects. His love for his Lord was evident in all of his service to church and community.

Doyal worked behind the scenes in numerous community events. He loved designing Broadway-quality sets and lighting designs. He was technical and/or lighting director for the Peanut Gallery, Miss Washington and Miss Clark County Pageants, and various civic events for headliners as well as hundreds of performances and dinner shows with Schell Dance Studio.

Aside from his family, his great joy was his 41 years of service in Fire District 6, Clark County. He was in integral part of the volunteer program, teaching many who have gone on to become paid firemen and officers not just locally, but across the US. After retiring as Battalion Chief at age 70, Doyal started a new business with good friend, Doug Canoose. High Performance Homes continues to build ICF buildings using Integraspec ICF. He was very passionate about his work with “green building”.

He is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Marlene Schell; his son, Mark Schell; and his daughter, Onnolee Schell; and hundreds of “his kids” in the fire department and dance studio. Working along side each other in the family business, Doyal and Marlene were seldom apart and made a remarkable team. They showed their love for the Lord in so many ways to so many people.

Funeral services will be held at Memorial Lutheran Church on Friday, September 11th. Fire Department Honor Guard ceremony will be at 10:30 with the service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in his honor to Firefighter Assistance Fund at District 6 or to Memorial Lutheran Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Vancouver Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, WA.