Bill Doolittle, the pack leader of Doo's Crew, left us on Saturday, December 3, 2016 in the knowledge the family was in the good hands of his sons, Kevin and Kent. The cruel disease of Alzheimer's robbed him (and us) of his latter life and positive essence.

Bill Doolittle was born on October 1, 1932 in Huntsville, AL in an apartment over the Dr. Pepper Bottling Plant. That fact evidently instilled his love for that soft drink. Losing his father at an early age, he was raised in his grandparents home by his Mother and many doting aunts, uncles, and extended family. In his teens he moved to California, beginning his working career and eventually meeting and marrying his wife Darlene. In the 1960's, now in manufacturing management, he was transferred to South Carolina and in 1968 to Springfield where they made their long-time home raising their sons. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

Along with his management career he was active in the family business of DOO'S GAS and GOODS and real estate investing. Bill was a family man from the git-go, always concerned about the welfare of each and every family member. Seemingly, he has passed along his real estate interests to his grandsons, Andrew and Jordan, both of whom have begun their own venture into that field. These last years he has loved spending time in Myrtle Beach and was planning another winter there in 2017.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Pauline Doolittle Goodman and Jack Doolittle; in-laws Robert Durflinger, Vernis Durflinger Thompson, and Louis Thompson; brother-in-law Robert J. Durflinger, and many loving family members and friends. He so missed his late handball partner Jim Sutliff and their dynamic games at the downtown Y. They will have some rousing games once again!

He is survived by his loving, grieving family; his wife Darlene, sons Kevin of Myrtle Beach, SC and Kent of Ozark, both entrepreneurs in their own right, his GRAND grandchildren, McKenzie (Andy) Powel of Rogers, AR, Andrew Doolittle and Jordan Manley Doolittle of Springfield, as well as those he loved as family, Debbie Doolittle, Jeannie and Mike Hill and Jodell Manley; sister, Pamela (Bill) Nesmith of California and brother-in-law Rod (Anita) Durflinger of California; his loyal lifelong "bud" George (Gwen) Harmon, also of California; family friends from forever, Bill and Doris Chambers of Oregon, his Springfield family, Betty Brown, Sheila Forsyth, and Mike Smith, and his loving rescue dog Ozzie.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Please share your favorite memories with us at that time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 3645 South Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, or C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue, 1330 W. Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65807.