Doyle Everard Souders Sr.

Doyle Everard Souders was born in Eureka Kansas on September 26, 1923, to Carvel O. and Alice M. (Young) Souders. After his Father lost his clothing store due to the Depression, the family packed up and headed west. In May they arrived in Portland, Oregon, where the decided to settle. Doyle attended Highland Grade School and Benson Polytechnic High School, graduation in the Tech Building Course. Upon graduation during World War II, he immediately went to work as a journeyman carpenter for 5 months and then entered the U.S. Coast Guard on December 11, 1942. He served 3 years, 5 months and was Honorably Discharged as a Storekeeper 3rd Class.

On his birthday in 1942, he became engaged to his neighborhood sweetheart Mary Jane Dietrich and during his leave from Overseas he and Mary were married on May 17, 1944.

Returning to Portland, after the war, Doyle worked for a furniture manufacturer. After taking the Police Exam, he was hired by The Portland Police Department on December 4, 1946 and was assigned to the Traffic Division, working Enforcement and Accident Investigations. After a short duty in the Vice Squad, Doyle returned to the Traffic Division and was assigned to the Hit and Run Detail. He was appointed Sergeant, April 1, 1953 and assigned to the Traffic First Night Detail. In November of 1953, he became the motorcycle sergeant of the Mobile Parking Detail with 14 officers. He later moved to the Solo Motorcycle Detail and remained at that position until he retired in 1976 with 30 years of Service. During his time in the Bureau, he was in charge of receiving and replacing all Police vehicles and motorcycles. He also helped organize the Bureau's Accident Review Board and Police Vehicle Inspections, As a member of the Top Squad which trained in Fort Lewis, he designed the "42 Riot Baton", which was later used by many of the other departments in Oregon. Doyle was an Instructor at the Police Academy and taught Traffic Citations, Riot Control Formations and Defensive Driving Classes.

Doyle was well known for his leadership in Parades and demonstration marches. He was a Royal Rosarian and upon retirement became a board member of the Portland Rose Festival association (30 yrs +) working on their parade formations. Whenever the President or Vice President of The United States, came to Portland, Doyle was in charge of the motorcycle escorts for them. He was very active in the Portland Police Post #2807 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, serving as Commander of the Post, County, District and State, where he was named to the All American Team of State Commanders. He also served as a National Council Member, National Chief of Staff, and held many Chairman and Vice Chairmanships on the National Safety and Life Membership Committees. He was also a 65 year Life Member of the Elks.

Doyle enjoyed fishing, gardening, wood working and model railroads, building over 100 miniature circus wagons and railroad cars. He was a member of the Circus Model Builders, Circus Historical Society and a Life Member of the National Model Railroaders Association.

Doyle is survived by his wife, Mary and sons, Doyle and Jim, daughter-in-law Cindy and Colleen, grandchildren Kristen, Brian, Benjamin, Kristi, Jeff and Daniel, 7 great-grandchildren Amanda, Spencer, Dakota, Taylor, Owen, Cora Jean and Kasen.

In Lieu of flowers, any donations be given to the Sunshine Division of the Portland Police Department which Doyle was very active with.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.