Lionel Barry Doyle

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Lionel B. Doyle

Lionel Barry Doyle was born on November 11, 1937 to the late Earcel and Hattie Lee (Womack) Doyle in Birmingham, Alabama. Lionel was one of four siblings and as the first boy in his family, he was affectionately nicknamed Sonny. Lionel received his early Christian Education at Old Ship African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Birmingham, Alabama pastored by the late Reverend Charles Jones and while residing in Alabama, attended Patterson Elementary School. In 1948, the Doyle family relocated to Detroit, Michigan for better opportunities. As a young man, Lionel recognized the importance of a good education and continued his Christian education at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit pastored by the late Reverend Carlyle Fielding Stewart, Sr. Lionel went on to attend Jefferson Intermediate School
and in 1956, graduated from Detroit’s most prestigious and renowned Cass Technical High School. Lionel briefly worked at Ford Motor Company and subsequently in 1960, embarked on his long-time public service career with the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). Lionel excelled while working for DWSD. In 1961 and in just one year’s time, he completed his
certificate of apprenticeship as an Operating Engineer. After which, he attained the position of Water Treatment Plant Operator. While working for DWSD, Lionel was drafted into the United States Army where he served honorably for two years. On November 29, 1969, He married the late Lue Guster Banks. Lue, from a prior marriage, had two children, Dwayne and Irene Renee. Lionel embraced and raised Dwayne and Renee as his own. In 1970, both Dwayne and Renee enrolled in Sanders Elementary, this is where Dwayne would meet his lifelong friend, Charles Johnson. Charles ultimately became like a son to Lionel
and Lue and part of the Doyle family. In 1971, Garland was born. While raising his family and working at the City of Detroit, Lionel had an unwavering
commitment and dedication to pursuing a higher education and advancing his career. In 1974, Lionel graduated from Wayne County Community College with his Associated Degree and would go on to receive training in heating and refrigeration mechanics. In 1978, Lionel joined the Buildings, Safety and Engineering Department (BS&E) as a Mechanical Inspector and played on the department’s softball team for a number of years. Lionel was promoted to a Supervising Mechanical Inspector in 1984. It was after this promotion,
that Lionel recognized his innate leadership skills, and his steadfast desire to help others that Lionel was prompted to step-up and serve as a union steward. After 40 years of distinguished public service, Lionel retired from the City of Detroit in 2000. Lionel enjoyed a number of hobbies including golf, photography, taking care of plants and also taught himself how to play the piano. For the past thirteen years, he has been battling end stage renal failure and was on dialysis. Lionel departed this life on May 31, 2022.