Doyce Edgar Croy

Doyce Edgar Croy

Doyce Edgar Croy was born on Dec. 8, 1930, in Waurika, Oklahoma, to Alfred Croy and 
Irena (Baker) Croy. He passed from this life on Sept. 3, 2020, following a brief illness.
Doyce attended Moran and Meridian Elementary Schools and was a 1948 graduate of Comanche High School. Doyce served in the United States Air Force in Germany and North Africa during the Korean War. Doyce was employed by the Sunray refinery, Xerox Corporation, and owned and operated camera stores in Comanche and Duncan prior to opening Croy Studios in Meridian. Mr. Croy took wedding photos for many years in the Duncan area for multiple generations of families. Doyce was extremely proud that one of his wedding photographs was featured in the Hasselblad Professional Wedding Photography book.

Doyce and Sammy Lou Benson were united in marriage at the First Methodist Church in Duncan on June 22, 1954. They were married 60 years, prior to Sammy’s death in 2015. From this marriage two children were born, Melanie Ann Croy and Craig Kevin Croy.
Following the tragic death of their son, Doyce and Sammy formed the Croy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Through the years the Croy Foundation has provided more than $220,000 to worthy charitable causes in Oklahoma and Texas. One hundred percent of all donations are returned to those in need. No administrative salaries are paid, as all board officers and board members serve on a voluntary basis.

Doyce was a member of the Eastside Church of Christ. He was able to repair anything and everything. He was the original “Mr. Fix-It.” He loved old cars, guns, cameras, and other collectables. Mr. Croy enjoyed serving as a member of the Stephens County Honor Guard for several years. Most of all, he loved helping others. He would always lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a kind, generous and honest man who has left this world a little better than he found it.

Mr. Croy was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Irena Croy, his wife Sammy Lou Benson Croy, and his son, Craig Kevin Croy. He is survived by his daughter, Melanie Ann Croy of Shawnee, his sister, Neva Croy Kitsmiller of Comanche, Paul Croy and Chuck Croy of Comanche, four nieces, three nephews, several great-nieces and nephews, and many friends.

A private family ceremony conducted by Ron Stough will take place in the Whitt Funeral Home Chapel. This celebration of life will be followed by a graveside service at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Duncan. Military honors will be presented by the Stephens County Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Paul Croy, Chuck Croy, Leonard Croy, John Croy, Allen Miller and Zane Kitsmiller. Social distancing and masks are requested for those in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Croy Foundation, P.O. Box 627, Duncan, OK, 73534-0627, in Mr. Croy’s honor, or to a favorite charity.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.