To the Doak Family -
 
I send you my love and my deepest sympathies.  I hope that all the special moments over the many years will stay with you and soothe your sorrow.  I remember many of the good times: the cacophony of voices and the laughter around the dining room table, the close camaraderie enjoyed by all as we devoured the abundant and sumptuous feast before us.  What a blessing those moments are.

At one of those Thanksgiving gatherings at Earl and Nancy's home, I brought a Marietta College Magazine, in which I had seen the name Doak, a man who had attended my college and who had lived in the town of Marietta, Ohio.  I didn't know if Doak was a common name, but I showed the magazine to Earl and Jo.  We had a nice chat about that Ohio Doak, and "Pop" determined that he was indeed a relative!  What's more, I learned that Earl had lived in Marietta and was born there!  What a glorious discovery!  A moment to treasure!

With my love and sympathy, Lynda


[The following is the eulogy I gave at the service on Thu, Feb 20th.]




For those of you who don't know me, my name is Nancy Doak.  I am married to Earl's son, Earl III.  Pop always told me that I was his favorite daughter-in-law, which would make me laugh since I was, of course, his only daughter-in-law.  I had the pleasure of knowing Pop for almost 20 years, and in that time, I learned a few things about the man we are here to honor today.

Pop never met a stranger he didn't like.  Many times, while Mama did her shopping, Pop would sit on a bench outside the store and strike up a conversation with someone passing by.  He would ask where they were from or what they did for a living, and it would eventually lead to Pop sharing a story.  But more often than not, he would end up telling some kind of a naughty joke, cracking himself up with the punchline.  For those of us who were fortunate enough to be welcomed into his home and were provided a free meal, he would always pose the question, "You know what makes this meal so good?"  To which he would answer, "It's somethin' for nothin'."

Pop was both a Marine who fought in Korea and a policeman who worked the mean streets of New York City.  He undoubtedly saw and dealt with many difficult things during his time of service, and those experiences made him tough as nails.  I once commented to his sister, Uldine, that Pop really was a big softy on the inside even though he had a tough shell, to which she exclaimed, "Yeah, he's crusty!"  Crusty or not, I do know this – Pop loved his family.  He may not have always found the words to express it or the ways to show it, but it was there.  And in his later years, I saw that tough exterior soften, and there were more hugs... and "I love you's"... and special family moments that we will cherish in the days ahead.

I think Pop would agree with me when I say that marrying Josephine was the best decision of his life.  What an incredible partner she has been through their marriage of nearly 62 years, caring for both him and their children through good times and bad.  She has been the heart of this family, and when she was faced with the most challenging of circumstances, especially over the past year, I witnessed her handle it all with grace, courage, and strength.

Together, Earl and Josephine created a beautiful life and a loving family.  And in the twilight of his life, I watched that family surround him and each other with love and support.  I once read that "the good of grief is that it meant that you loved someone so much that it was hard to let them go."  And as we mourn the passing of this man – beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend – we know those words to be true.

We love you, Pop, and we will miss you, but this farewell is not forever, for I have faith that we will see you again one day.  So instead of saying goodbye, I will close with one of your favorite send-offs... "We'll see you in the line-up."



Pop, I salute you.




30 years ago, I started buying custom tailored clothes – silk shirts, lizard skin boots, $100 slacks.  And on one particular night, I was feeling pretty good about myself.  Before leaving to go out on the town, I turned to my dad who was sitting on his recliner, reading a book as usual, and said:  "You know, Pop, why don't you buy some nice clothes and look presentable, instead of the shorts & T-shirt that you're wearing."  My dad looked up at me, never raised his voice or got mad, and said:  "You have nice clothes, don't you?  But you will never be half the man I am."  At the time, I thought my old man was full of hot air.

Now here's a man who joined the Marines, fought for his country and against Communism in Korea, came home and spent 15 years as a NY city police officer – protecting and serving people he didn't know in one of the worst neighborhoods in NY.  He supported a wife and helped raise 2 children.  Pop – I've realized clothes don't make the man, and I now know what you were trying to tell me all those years ago.  I not only respect you, I look up to you, and I love you.

Daddy, You had a beautiful service yesterday.  Dr. Barry gave a wonderful heart-felt eulogy and if anyone did not know you before yesterday, they now had a little clue into your life as a practical joker, comedian, Marine, NYC policeman, wonderful husband and father but, most of all, one who honored his own mother and God.  I do want you know that Mommy will be cared for and she was never want for anything.  Your little Great Grandson Cameron Raymond Lay will carry on your legacy of love and we will tell him all about you.  He's a precious little boy and we are all crazy about him as I know you would have been.  I love and miss you more than I could have imagined; I did hold your hand on Sunday and did not want to let go, never imagining I would not have a chance to say goodbye but I did tell you I loved you...I think you heard me.  I was proud to be a Marine's daughter and, more importantly, your daughter.  Thank you for life.  Donna Lee

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It was an honor getting to know Earl and his wonderful family and being able to help care for him. He was a wonderful man and may peace and comfort find you all.

Papa, your service and celebration of life was beautiful today. As hard as it was to watch grandma lose her love of 61 years and mama and Uncle Earl lose their daddy I know you are no longer suffering. The church was full of people who loved you- I was able to meet the people you attended church with and who came in contact with you and will
never forget you as you left a positive impression on their life. I learned today that you were one to sing in church and everyone could hear you. Your mail man even showed- wow that shows how much you impacted lives around you. What an honor to have you as my grandpa. I was also told how much of a great uncle you were. There were also many family members that may not have been physically here but their hearts, thoughts and prayers were.  Will miss you Papa Doak.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

So sorry to hear about your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May precious memories give you strength in the days ahead.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss.  The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

This is such a beautiful tribute to you Uncle Earl....Memories far beyond measure that will be tucked away in the hearts of all who love you....I am deeply saddened by your passing...and my only consolation is that you are now with the ones who have gone before you...Into the heavens you will fly and know the embrace of your mother and father...sister and brother's ...they have come to meet you on the other side of the veil...You will know love as did your mother and father in your birth...A reunion we cannot even comprehend...Love embraces you....as we here mourn the loss of a wonderful man..we must trust that God's heavenly home will be ours one day ...and we will meet once again as if time stood still...I pray that my Aunt Jo,,,my cousins Donna and Danny, Earl and Nancy, Laura and Brian, Lisa and John and Great Grandson Cameron Raymond find peace and strength within for these days that lie ahead are difficult..I surround you with love and embrace you in spirit as you will need to find comfort in each other...so will I send you my love in prayers and comfort...my heart is with you all...and Dear Uncle Earl...if perhaps you run into my Dad....(The Shark) hug him tightly for me too...Uncle Earl rest sweet angel of God...I love you your Niece Camille

Papa Doak,

You are already greatly missed!!  My heart hurts so much to know Cameron will never know his great grandpa!  But it is through stories and memories that your legacy will forever live on!!  I will never forget the days you used to pick Lisa and I up at the elementary school!!  My favorite story is the one you used to tell when I was walking up the hall with a boy and I would see you and shoo them away with my hand and say, "Ok, you can go now, that's my grandpa picking me up!!"  

Love you always
XOXO

P.S.
As Lisa said, don't you worry, Mama Doak is well taken care of :)

We will sure miss you Papa Doak and your funny stories, but now you can share with Johnny in heaven, ya'll have a lot of catching up to do.  We love you.  Linda Kennedy & Angel Johnny Kennedy

Only wonderful memories of a good man....rest in peace Uncle Earl

I am so sorry to hear this, but we know that he was suffering and now he is out of pain. and we all see him again real soon. I pray for the family that God will comfort all of them.  I enjoyed being around him so much when he was well, he always had a funny story to tell.

We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Earl.  I know that he is at peace.   Prayers for strength go out to all the family.  Please know that you are all in our thoughts...

Love,

Linda, Ed, Jackie, Angela, Paul, Ryan, Kyle and Lydia

"We love and will miss you Brother-in-Law and Uncle Earl."  We are so thankful for the many warm memories we will share with our families always.  We know that you are in in the Lord's Hands and that you are joyful with all of the family and friends who have gone on before you.  We will see you again.
Our love to all of our "Southern Family".  We wish we could be with you.  With our hearts and prayers,
Rose, Hubert, Kathy, Bobby, Carol, Kevin, Alana, David, Robin, MaryAnn, Gary, Nicholas & Ivan

We will all miss you Papa Doak.  You were a great grandpa and I will miss you so much. Grandma will be taken care of.  I have been blessed to have such a wonderful family. Miss and Love you.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Earl Raymond Doak Jr.

23 mars 1930 – 17 février 2014

Floral Hills Funeral Home, Cremation Services & Memory Gardens

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