Dr. John Doggett

SPRINGFIELD -- Dr. John Lesley Doggett of Mount Vernon VA Home and Springfield died Aug. 29, 2008, at the age of 85.

Dr. Doggett was born in the Patton area on May 4, 1923, to John Columbus and Willie Marie Grindstaff Doggett. He graduated from Patton High School in 1940. John L. served during World War II in the U.S. Navy Seabees from Feb. 1943 to Feb. 1946.

On Aug. 18, 1946, he married Mary Louise Wallis, daughter of Hawn and Carrie Nienstedt Wallis of Millersville in Centenary Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

John L. graduated from St. Louis University College of Dentistry in June of 1951. Also, in 1951, during the Korean War, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Army Medical Service Corp. He served two years at Camp Gordon, Ga., where his tour of duty ended in June 1953. Later he became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

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

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

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Louise Doggett of Springfield; son, James Doggett of Springfield; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Bill Halley of Edmond, Okla.; daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Gary Horton of Victor, Colo.; son and daughter-in-law, John David and Kim Doggett of Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren, Jed Purcell, who is serving in Iraq in the USAF; Tess Purcell of Edmond, Colin Doggett of Scottsdale, Ariz., Alexis Doggett of Columbia, Cara and husband Brandon Mullins 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 bird watching, photographing wildflowers and gardening, puttering around on the farm, stamp collecting and watercolor painting. He was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 41 for 15 years. He was president of the Southeast Missouri Dental Society, where he had already served as secretary and treasurer.

John L. was a member of the Sikeston Art League. Dr. Doggett was also active in the 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 at the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston on Saturday. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with the service following at 11 a.m. His nephew, David Edward Seabaugh of Chicago, will officiate.

Blanchard Funeral Chapel of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

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Memorials would be appreciated to the following:

Southeast Missouri Boy Scouts; First United Methodist Church; The Nature Conservancy

Paid obituary