Doyle Read

Doyle Weldon Read, 85, of Longview, Texas, passed away on December 5, 2024. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. CST at the First Presbyterian Church of Longview, TX following a family graveside service at Alpine Presbyterian Cemetery. Born on March 26, 1939, in Gladewater, Texas, Doyle had a deep love for his East Texas roots. He often reminisced about his childhood and the joy of growing up in the Piney Woods. A proud graduate of Gladewater High School Class of 1957, Doyle kept in touch with many of his classmates over the years, cherishing those lasting friendships. Doyle’s academic journey began at Austin College in 1957, and he later earned his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University. After graduation, he moved to Houma, Louisiana, where he worked for Humble Oil, Sun Oil, and Union Oil. In 1981, Doyle returned to East Texas to start his own consulting business, Petroleum Development Engineering Services. Though he eventually slowed down, Doyle never truly retired. He took great pleasure in driving the back roads to check on his projects, telling stories about colorful oilfield characters, and meeting his buddies at Jucy’s for breakfast every morning. A deeply committed Presbyterian, Doyle was an active elder at both Alpine Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Longview. His faith shaped every aspect of his life, and he devoted his time, resources, and energy to serving both the church and his local community. Doyle also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Camp Gilmont Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center. Doyle was a man of purpose, integrity, and unwavering morals. He believed in hard work, but above all, he believed in passing on those values to his children, whom he loved dearly. Doyle is survived by his wife of 36 years, Janet Read; his children, Tim (Marcy) Read and Ken Read, both of Longview, TX, and Ginger (Danny) Bryant of Huntsville, AL; Gene Davis, the mother of his children; grandchildren Ryane Read, Jenny Dare Bryant, and Gus Bryant; and stepchildren Philip Cotter of Chicago, IL, and Sarah Jenkins of Pittsburgh, PA, along with their families. He is also survived by his beloved church family, his breakfast sidekicks from Jucy’s, his Gladewater High School classmates, and countless work colleagues, all of whom were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and generosity. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle Weldon and Alice Cecyl McKee Read; his uncle Penny Watson and aunt Ed Watson of Marshall, TX; and his daughter-in-law and “Aggie” buddy, Cindy Clifton Read. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Doyle’s memory to Camp Gilmont or the First Presbyterian Church of Longview.

Doyle Read

March 26, 1939 - December 4, 2024