Edward Thomas Doyle

Colonel Edward Thomas Doyle, USAF, Ret., of Niceville, FL, passed away at 78 years of age on July 7, 2017.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cynthia Byrne Doyle; children, Pamela Doyle, Kelley Ethridge, Sean Doyle, and Kate Murphy; eight grandchildren (Noah & Jessica Ethridge, Ethan, Meghan, & Emily Doyle, and Brooke, Keeley & Reagan Davis), sister, Louise Collins, and several nieces and nephews.  Ed loved the Patriots, boating, tinkering and could play most musical instruments by ear.  Above all, he cherished time with his family. A memorial service with military honors will be held Thursday, July 13 at 10a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Niceville, Florida with family visitation 9am - 10am.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Ed’s honor to www.woundedwarriorproject.org. 

Ed lived a full, fun and active life with his soul-mate, wife, partner, and friend, Cynthia Byrne Doyle.  Born March 30, 1939, in Andover, MA, to William and Lydia Doyle, he was the youngest of three (brother William Doyle Jr., and sister, Louise Collins).  He attended primary schools in both Massachusetts and Florida, graduating from Pike elementary in Andover and Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, MA, in 1956.  He earned a BA degree in humanities from Merrimack College in North Andover, MA, and a Masters degree in Aero-Space Management from the University of Arkansas.

Ed was a career military officer who proudly served 27 years in the United States Air Force; a commitment that required moving his family 25 times.   He initially served under both the Air Defense Command and the Strategic Air Command, but spent the majority of his service with the Tactical Air Command in multiple theaters.  Ed served two remote South East Asia tours in Japan and Thailand and flew over eight years in Europe with the 81st FTR.BMR.SQ Wild Weasels (Motto: First in, last out).  He held several assignments, including Aircrew Instructor, Flight Examiner, was a member of both the USAFE and NATO Tac/Eval teams, staffed NATO’S Flight Aircrew Competitions,  Fighter Weapons School instructor,  and two tours at TAC HQ in Langley, VA.  Towards the end of his career, he served as the Director of Operations of TAC’s Blue Flag exercises at Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field before retiring as a Colonel from TAC HQ IN 1989.

Upon retirement, Ed and his wife bought a local Coldwell Banker Real Estate Office in Niceville, FL.  In 1998, they built and moved into their current home on Sunset Cove in Niceville.   A lover of the sea, he was an avid boater, owning three sailboats, a houseboat, and a 35‘ cruiser during his time in Florida. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed the natural beauty of Niceville.  Looking out over Sunset Cove (of which he was instrumental in naming), the back deck of his house was a favorite spot to sit and enjoy the water and wildlife.

Ed was committed to his community, giving and volunteering through organizations like the Exchange Club, Chamber of Commerce, Amvets, American Legion, ASPCA, neighborhood watch, and others.  He was a man of great integrity, honesty, and strong Christian faith.  While his family is heartbroken at his loss, they are confident that Ed has been welcomed by God into heaven, where he is resting in eternal peace. 
 
 In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Ed’s honor to www.woundedwarriorproject.org. 

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