Dr. John Doggett

SIKESTON, Mo. — Dr. John Lesley Doggett, 85, of Mount Vernon Veterans Home and Springfield, Mo., died Friday, Aug. 29, 2008.

He was born May 4, 1923, at Patton, Mo., son of John Columbus and Willie Marie Grindstaff Doggett.

Doggett graduated from Patton High School in 1940. John L. served during World War II in the U.S. Navy Seabees from February 1943 to February 1946.

He and Mary Louise Wallis, daughter of Hawn and Carrie Nienstedt Wallis of Millersville, were married Aug. 18, 1946, at Centenary Methodist Church.

John L. graduated from St. Louis University College of Dentistry in June 1951. Also in 1951, during the Korean conflict, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Medical Service Corps. He served two years at Camp Gordon, Ga., where his tour of duty ended in June 1953. Later he became a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dr. Doggett opened his dental practice in Sikeston June 6, 1953. He had a thriving practice 37 years and six months until he retired Jan. 1, 1990.

John L. was preceded in death by his parents, John and Willie Doggett; a brother, David Doggett; and a sister, Geraldine Seabaugh.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Louise Doggett of Springfield; a son, James Doggett of Springfield; a daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Bill Halley of Edmond, Okla.; a son and daughter-in-law, John David and Kim Doggett of Amarillo, Texas; six grandchildren, Jed Purcell, who is serving in Iraq with the U.S. Air Force, Tess Purcell of Edmond, Colin Doggett of Scottsdale, Ariz., Alexis Doggett of Columbia, Cara Mullins and husband Brandon of Silsbee, Texas, and Hannah Doggett of Amarillo.

He is also survived by a sister, Arlene Grantham of Jackson; several nieces and nephews; as well as numerous cousins. In addition to these treasured family members, also is Helen Beeson a longtime family friend and caregiver that will be forever appreciated.

John L. was a man of many talents. He loved birdwatching, photographing wildflowers and gardening, puttering around on the farm, stamp collecting and watercolor painting.

He was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 41 16 years. He was president of Southeast Missouri Dental Society, where he had already served as secretary and treasurer.

John L. was a member of Sikeston Art League. He was active in PTA and served in different offices, as well as the Four Seasons Audubon Society.

He and Mary enjoyed many years traveling with their grandchildren all over the USA, including a round trip to Alaska and volunteering in Hawaii National Park. John L. was always happiest when busy. He was loved a lot and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service with visitation will be held Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m.

The service will be at 11 a.m. with his nephew, David Edward Seabaugh of Chicago, officiating.

Blanchard Funeral Chapel in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials would be appreciated to the following: Southeast Missouri Boy Scouts, First United Methodist Church or the Nature Conservancy.