Carlsbad

John A. Doyal, 80, of N. 11th Street, Carlsbad, NM, passed through the gates of heaven while surrounded by family November 13, 2024 at University Medical Center, Lubbock, Texas. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, November 25, 2024 at Carlsbad Cemetery with Chunky Click officiating. 

John was born April 1, 1944, in Roswell, NM, to Floyd and Lois (Crowder) Doyal. The eldest of eight children, John learned the value of family and hard work at an early age. He graduated from Roswell High School in 1962, before attending NMSU where he received a B.S. in Police Science. Shortly after, John served in the US Army receiving an honorable discharge and returning to Roswell where he began his long career in law enforcement. While working as a police officer in Roswell, he met the love of his life, Nelda Allensworth, and after a short courtship the two married on July 21, 1970 and the inseparable pair began their life together raising a family. The family relocated to Carlsbad in 1972, where John hired on with the City of Carlsbad Police Department, faithfully serving the community until his retirement. John dedicated his life to family and the career that he loved. He enjoyed taking trips to State Parks, Indian ruins and the mountains with family. It was often said, there isn’t a piece of history in New Mexico the family hasn’t visited. He could be found hunting, fishing, and working in the yard tending to his lawn, trees and plants. More importantly John or “Papa” as he is affectionately known by family, loved attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and various activities. John was a true family man whom could always be counted on whenever needed. A quiet man, he was never loud or boastful, but could do just about anything when asked to help. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sam Doyal and sister, Norma Dale.

Survivors are his wife, Nelda Doyal; sons: Lee Doyal and wife, Brandy, Shawn Doyal and John J. Doyal; daughter, Jennifer Lemon; grandchildren: Stephanie, Hunter, D.J., Brandon, Bryan, Hailey, Autumn, Carlie, Damian, Dustin, Courtney and husband, Josh, Clay, and Adree, and 10 great-grandchildren; siblings: June Dunbar and husband, Dan, Linda Guss, Kathy Thompson and husband, Aubrey, Robert Doyal and wife, Carol, Marilyn Crutcher, and numerous nieces and nephews.