Doyal Brown

Doyal Brown went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 11, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. After several years of declining health he is now free from the struggles of this life and is safe in the arms of Jesus.

Doyal was born on July 1, 1922 in Marshall Oklahoma where he lived till the age of 10. His mother’s declining health caused the family to move to Scappoose Oregon where Doyal completed his high school education. He entered the Coast Guard in September 1942 and was trained in radio transmission. While stationed in Atlantic City New Jersey Doyal committed his heart and life to the Lord at a Christian Servicemen’s Center on Christmas Day, 1944. He never wavered from that decision to serve the Lord.

Upon release from the service in November 1945, and having renewed a friendship with a former school mate, Viola Roth, and were soon engaged to be married. On February 10, 1946 they were married at the bride’s parents’ home on Sauvies Island, north of Portland. As newlyweds they moved to an apartment at the Cascade College campus in Portland, Oregon where he graduated in 1949. Still on the GI bill, he was able to get one year of seminary training, all the while serving a little Sunday school, under the direction of the American Sunday School Union. He was called to lead Release Time Bible classes beginning in St. Helens, Oregon, and high school Bible Clubs in several schools. During that time he also pastored a church in Mayger, Oregon for 3 years.

Three sons were born during the college and seminary days, Dennis, Raymond and Aaron. In 1955 he was asked to serve with the AMF as missionary in the Portland area, then as a promotion director in Philadelphia in 1957, where he served for 10 years, returning to Portland to work with a Christian book distribution warehouse. Always there was a desire to own a Christian bookstore; the opportunity came in 1972 in Yakima, Washington. During those years he faithfully served on several boards, including Living Care and Christian Booksellers Association.

On retirement, Doyal and Viola sold their home, purchased a motor home, and traveled America with “Hardhats for Christ” where they helped in the construction of churches in many locations. These were some of the most rewarding years of his life.

Doyal served the Lord faithfully and leaves a legacy that survives in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, his 3 sons, 2 loving daughter in laws, 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Linda.

The family would like to thank each of you for your prayer and support through these difficult days. It was rewarding to us to find out that each of his hospice caregivers were long time customers of The Book and Bible House. We will miss Doyal but know that his life was spent faithfully serving the Lord.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday May 19th at Wiley Union Church, 2711 South Wiley Road, Yakima, WA. 98903.