Doyle Dean Fink
October 22, 1938 – September 2, 2026
Doyle Dean Fink, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on September 2, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Doyle will be remembered as a man of deep faith who loved his family dearly and lived a life marked by service, integrity, and hard work.
Doyle married Donna Rae Whiteside on August 22, 1959, beginning a loving marriage that spanned more than 67 years. His family was his greatest source of pride, and the life and legacy they built together remained at the center of his heart.
After graduating from high school, Doyle ran the Sinclair gas station before going to Kansas City for work. He went on to join the United States Army in 1961, where he served for three and a half years overseas as an administrative sergeant in the Military Police and received an honorable discharge in the fall of 1964.
Doyle began his career in the mining industry in 1964. In 1973, he became a federal mine inspector with the U.S. Bureau of Mines and later held numerous leadership positions with the Mine Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor. Among his professional honors, Doyle was especially proud to receive the United States Department of Labor Distinguished Career Service Award, presented by Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole.
Doyle deeply loved the Spring River and the neighboring communities of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and Thayer, Missouri. During his retirement, he devoted much of his time to public service within those communities, continuing a lifelong commitment to helping others and strengthening the places he called home. Doyle served as adjutant for American Legion Post 344 in Thayer for over 20 years and was a member of the local Rotary Club for over 24 years.
An avid fisherman, Doyle rarely turned down an opportunity to put a line in the water. More than any professional recognition or personal interest, however, Doyle treasured his faith and the time he shared with those he loved. He leaves behind a lasting example of devotion to God, commitment to family, and service to others.
Doyle was preceded in death by his son, Michael Fink, as well as his parents George and Bessie Fink; in-laws Ray and Daisy Whiteside; and brother and sister-in-law Larry and Kay Bible.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Rae Fink; his daughter, Cindi Fink (Skip); his daughter-in-law, Jamie Fink; his grandsons, Joshua Fink (Kelsey) and Nicholas Fink (Brooke); and his great-granddaughter, Pyper Collette Fink. He is also survived by his brother, Loyd Fink (Sue); his nephew, Christopher Fink (Stephanie); his sister-in-law, Terri Hull; his niece, Billie Bible (Jamie); his cousin, Vic Waits (Nina); as well as other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Doyle’s life was one of faith, love, service, and accomplishment. His steady presence, wisdom, and devotion to his family and community will be remembered with gratitude and carried forward by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to the following places, or left with the funeral home.
Officiating the funeral service will be Brandon Martin and Erman Croney officiating at the graveside. Pallbearers are John Davis, Luke Martin, Tucker Hargrove, Christopher Fink, Skip Miller, Powell Humphrey, Neal Rogers, and Jalen Andrews. Honorary pallbearers are Nathaniel Rogers and Rick Martin.
A Visitation will be on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., until the time of the Funeral at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery, of Thayer, Missouri, with full Military Honors.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Mo.
September 3, 2026 @ 3:26 pm
Donna this Sue sorry sorry to hear about Doyle may God be with you and Cindy through these Sad days Doyle was a sweet person thought a lot of him may he RIP Love you
September 3, 2026 @ 4:47 pm
Hi Donna I’m so sorry to hear Doyle passing away may God be with you and Cindy through these sad days Doyle was a wonderful person May he RIP it was a total shock to hear this had he been sick Take Care Love you
September 4, 2026 @ 9:08 am
Donna, I am so sorry that Doyal passed. I know he will be missed. He was so kind when daddy passed. I wish I could be there for his service. I will be praying for you all.
September 4, 2026 @ 10:07 am
I am sorry to hear that Doyle died. Doyle was a Great MSHA member and I am pleased to say I worked with him many years. Im sure you will miss him and I will TO. Wayne K.
September 4, 2026 @ 10:11 am
Maybe Doyle inspect all the people in heaven!!!
September 4, 2026 @ 5:33 pm
I’m sorry about Doyle’s passing. I became a member of Rotary with his encouragement and had many conversations with him. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
September 4, 2026 @ 5:36 pm
God bless the members of the Fink at this sad time. The loss of Doyle is a huge hole in our community family as well.
September 4, 2026 @ 6:27 pm
This makes me so terribly sad. Doyle and I always claimed each other as siblings from another mother. He was like a brother to me. Donna,honey I’m so sorry for your loss. I send you my love and big hug! Stay strong.
September 5, 2026 @ 10:29 am
Donnie sorry to here about Doyle you will miss him. any time you need to talk to me . give me a call your cousin. love you
September 5, 2026 @ 9:22 pm
Our deepest condolences to the Fink family during this incredibly difficult time. May you find comfort in the love of family and friends and in the many wonderful memories you shared with Doyle. May those memories bring you peace and strength in the days ahead.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing the entire Fink family comfort, peace, and healing during this time of sorrow. 🙏❤️
September 6, 2026 @ 9:02 am
Cindi, Donna and family. My sincere condolences for the unexpected death of Doyle. He will be missed by our entire community. Thinking of you now and the days ahead.
September 8, 2026 @ 11:57 am
So sorry to hear of Doyle’s passing. We played basketball against each other; Doyle was a very good basketball player. I played for West Plains
Doyle was a great man and a great Bobcat.
September 10, 2026 @ 4:55 pm
Gonna miss you so much Doyle. You were like a dad to me and I loved you like a father. You were always so kind and always concerned with my well being and Cindi is just like a sis to me and Miss Donna is such a beautiful soul. Love you all and prayers for you Donna and Cindi. I am deeply saddened and broken hearted I cannot be there but I know Doyle would want me to go on my trip to Greece. Forever in my heart. Love you all