Doyce Elon Lovell

Doyce Elon Lovell was born in Exeter, California on April 2, 1948.  He was the youngest of four children, with an older sister, Lorita Luttman, and two older brothers, Marvin and Quentin.  He was a devoted son to his mother, Floysie, as she raised him as a single parent after the death of his father in 1958.  Doyce had a tireless work ethic since elementary school, helping the family by working odd jobs such as a paperboy and working in a bakery before school.  He attended Exeter schools where he enjoyed playing all sports.  For over 50 years, he held the school record for the longest discus throw in EUHS track and field history.  But football was his favorite sport to play, later coach, and to watch.  Doyce was the first ( and only? ) 4-year varsity letterman for football at Exeter High School.  He continued playing for two years at COS, then two years while serving in the Air Force.  In 1970 he was named to the All-Europe Armed Forces team as a linebacker. 

Doyce entered his Eternal Home on October 6, 2025, at his home in Visalia, California.  He was surrounded by his loved ones: wife Cathy, as well as daughter Chelsea Lovell and son Justin Lovell.

Doyce met the love of his life in 6th grade at Lincoln Elementary School.  After dating in high school, Doyce and Cathy were married in October of 1968, shortly before he was deployed to serve in the 3rd Air Force unit in Europe.  They established their first home near Ipswich, England in Suffolk County, and remained there for three years.  Doyce proudly served as a missile electronics technician at Royal Air Force Base Bentwaters. During their time in England, they enjoyed travelling throughout Great Britain and Europe.  Upon his discharge, they returned to finish studies at Fresno State.  Doyce graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology in 1974.  He completed his teaching credential and returned to his alma mater, Exeter Union High School, where he taught for 31 years.  During his tenure, he taught auto shop, algebra, geometry and then finished his career as a mechanical and architectural drafting teacher.  Doyce was the head track and field coach for two years.  He spent ten years coaching the offensive line for freshman through the varsity level.  Doyce loved the faculty, students, and the supportive Exeter community.  He cherished his years as a teacher, coach and mentor to the students at Exeter High School.  During his retirement, it gave him great joy to catch up with former students and athletes.   He was a humble man who didn’t seek accolades, but he felt honored when he was selected Teacher of the Year,  and then had the 2006 ACTA yearbook dedicated to him as he retired.  Many years later in retirement, the EUHS Alumni Football Association honored him for his “years of teaching, coaching and friendship” in support of EUHS.

Doyce and Cathy welcomed their first born, daughter Chelsea Leann in 1978.  Three years later their family was completed with the birth of their son, Justin Elon in 1981.  Family meant everything to Doyce, and he cherished his roles as a husband, father, uncle, and proud Papa (grandfather).  The family enjoyed many adventures in their fifth wheel trailer, with frequent trips to the Central Coast.  Doyce was a jack-of-all-trades and loved his role as a handyman for the family. 

Doyce is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cathy; daughter Chelsea (Casey Rohr) and son Justin (Natalie); granddaughters Taylor Ella (20 years old), Lexa Isabella (10) and Haven Floysie (8). Also left to cherish his memory are niece Vicki Conable (Jerry) and nephew Russell Luttman (Debbie) as well as many great-nieces and nephews.  Doyce’s final selfless act was buying flowers and anniversary gifts for his wife, as they were set to celebrate their 57th anniversary on the day that he passed away.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 8th at 11 am, at the First Presbyterian Church, 215 N. Locust (the corner of Oak and Locust in downtown Visalia). Doyce was a loving husband, devoted family man, and a faithful friend to many.  Family and friends are invited to help Doyce’s family celebrate his life and share stories and memories.  A lunch reception will immediately follow the service.

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