Doyle, C. Ervin, 1906-1983

Biography

C. Erwin Doyle was born on June 22, 1906 in Cuero, Texas. His parents, William and Peggy, moved their eight children to San Marcos in 1910. Doyle briefly attended West End Elementary until he was chosen to attend the Teacher training school on the campus of Southwest Texas State Normal School. He continued his education at Southwest Texas until he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1931. He returned for his Master’s degree, which he received in 1940. While attending classes, he befriended future U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and SWT president, C.E. Evans.
After graduation, Doyle taught throughout the state as a Spanish teacher and doubled as a coach for a few years. He was later elected Superintendent of Jefferson County schools in 1934. He would hold this office, based in Beaumont, Texas, at various times until his retirement in 1963.
The Second World War had a profound effect on Mr. Doyle. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1940 and served in Europe during the latter part of the war. Captain Doyle received the Bronze Star Medal for service in 1944. He returned to his position as superintendent after the war, but was recalled to active duty shortly thereafter in 1947. During his service he was the military science instructor in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program at the University of Puerto Rico. He drew upon his experiences as a teacher and his proficiency in Spanish. He retired as a colonel in 1959.
Doyle returned to Beaumont to resume his post as superintendent, until he relocated to Louisiana to become the chairman of a chain of photography studios in 1963. He retired from that position in 1969, and relocated back to San Marcos. Doyle played an important role in the establishment in SWT’s alumni foundation and served as its first chairman. In that position, he was instrumental in acquiring what would become the L.B.J. alumni house. For his contribution to the University, he was named a distinguished alumnus in 1974. He continued to remain active in the alumni foundation until he died on January 24, 1983.

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