Doyle Lee Royer

It is with deep sadness, but immense gratitude for a life well lived, that we share the passing of Doyle Lee Royer on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. He was surrounded by the love and comfort of family and friends as his life came to a peaceful close.

Doyle was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on December 20, 1937, to D.L. and Anna May Royer. He was the younger brother of Joann. He spent his youth raising farm animals, playing sports, and enjoying a little small-town mischief. Even in his final days, he loved reminiscing about the game-winning shot or final touchdown from his high school athletic days.

While attending McPherson College, Doyle met his first wife, Sandra. Together they raised three children: Kim, Steve, and Jeff. The family lived in Kansas and Colorado before making Arizona their home.

In 1965, Doyle and his family moved to Arizona, where he opened Master Craft Kitchen Cabinets. He spent many years in the kitchen and bath design industry, later founding Avant Guard and then ANR Manufacturing in Tempe. Throughout his career, he helped build and remodel homes and kitchens across the Valley.

Beyond his work, Doyle was deeply involved in the community. He served as president of the Tempe Diablos from 1983 to 1984, volunteered with the Fiesta Bowl, and was a member of the Kyrene School District Governing Board. He treasured the lifelong friendships he formed through these organizations and often shared stories of trail rides, ski trips, and countless laughs with his Diablo family.

In 1991, Doyle went on a blind date with Maxine Watson Moody. Over a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries, they discovered an instant friendship and connection. They were married the following year. Through that union, Doyle proudly became a bonus dad to Maxine’s children: Rich, Mindy, and Troy.

Together, Doyle and Maxine were the heart of every gathering. They loved opening their home to friends and family, hosting memorable dinner parties, organizing holiday hayrides through the neighborhood with Doyle driving the tractor in a Santa hat, and creating elaborate themed dinners complete with costumes. They also shared a deep love for their cabin on Mt. Graham, where they spent many beautiful summers surrounded by family and friends.

For many years, Doyle served as Santa Claus for Arizona Diamondbacks charity events—and for anyone else who needed a Santa. He wore the red suit with pride, generosity, and genuine joy, embodying the spirit of St. Nicholas wherever he went.

He had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone he had just met, Doyle had a way of making you feel like you belonged.

Doyle never met a stranger. His mornings at AJ’s or lingering over coffee and breakfast with friends were among his greatest pleasures. He loved telling stories about his grandchildren, debating Arizona sports, and talking about his treasured coin collection. He will be remembered as a man who embraced life with enthusiasm and kindness. Above all, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and incredibly proud Papa. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Doyle is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine; his children, Kim Royer, Steve Royer (Kim), Jeff Royer (Bridgette), Mindy Collum (Bob), and Troy Moody (Debbie); his grandchildren, Amanda Bauer (Andy), Breanna Royer, Kaycee Sturtevant (Matt), Mitch Royer (Maria), Randi Dolan, Cade Collum, and Emerson Moody; and his great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Riggs, Macy, and Paul.

He was preceded in death by his parents, D.L. and Anna May Royer; his sister, Joann; and his stepson, Rich Moody.

Our lives are richer because we were loved by him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tempe Diablos Foundation.