Dr. Bernie Doyle, 82, died July 16, 2012, in San Antonio, Texas.
He was born in Laramie, Wyo., on May 20, 1930, to Bill and Emily Doyle. They moved to North Platte when he was 3. He attended St. Patrick’s schools and joined the Navy at 16 by making his own birth certificate. He took correspondence courses and graduated with his Saint Patrick’s class in 1948. After his three-year enlistment, he attended the University of Nebraska and graduated sixth in his class from Dental School. He was a Board Certified Periodontist. He then joined the United States Air Force and was commissioned as a Dental Officer serving in Vietnam. He was a combat decorated veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Honor Medal and the Cross of Valor. He retired as a Colonel in 1976 and became a professor at the University of Texas.
He attended the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, and earned his medical degree at age 71. He volunteered with Doctors Without Borders around the world. In 2006 he received the University of Nebraska Alumni Achievement Award and in 2007 became the National President of the World War II Underage Military Veterans.
He is survived by his wife, Marianne, of San Antonio, Texas; his son, Mike (Liam), of Vietnam; his daughter, Kathy Edgin (Wendell), of San Antonio, Texas, and four grandchildren; and his sister, Dorothy Fugate, of North Platte.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Joe and Bob Doyle; and sister, Trish Doyle.
Burial will be at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, with full military honors.
The United State Military is in charge of funeral arrangements.