Doyle James Sly

Doyle James Sly, 86, departed this life on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Broadway Manor Care & Rehab Center, Muskogee, Oklahoma, with his loving family at his side. He was born on March 1, 1939, the youngest of 8 children born to John Elias Sly and Fannie Mae (Roach) Sly in Wagoner, Oklahoma. Doyle attended and attended  Wagoner Public School. He met and married the love of his life, Dessie Alene Gilmore.

Doyle was a devoted family man whose life was defined by his love for the outdoors and the people closest to him. He had a deep appreciation for nature and found great joy in spending time fishing, especially catfishing, which was one of his favorite pastimes. Whether along the riverbanks or at a favorite fishing spot, those moments brought him peace and happiness.

Doyle also loved to hunt and took pride in pursuing all types of game, valuing the time spent outdoors as much as the skill and tradition involved. When he wasn’t fishing and hunting, he could be found tending to his garden. Gardening was more than a hobby; it was something truly enjoyed, taking pride in the care he gave to everything he grew. He also had an interest in carpentry, putting this skill to use even around his home. If repairs were needed, you could count on Doyle to take care of things.

Above all else, Doyle loved his family deeply. They were the center of his life, and he cherished the time spent with them. His dedication, love, and quiet strength will be remembered by all who knew him.

Preceding him in death are his parents, John and Fannie Sly; his siblings, Henry Clifford Sly, John Calvin Sly, Harley Victor Sly, Mildred Fay Lowman, Flora Richmond, Geneva Krueger, and Nora Long; his grandson, Jeffrey Porter; great- great granddaughter, Lillian Watkins; and his nephews, Bob Long, Gary Long, Ronnie Long, and Richard Long.

Those left to cherish the many fond memories of his life include his beloved wife, Dessie Aileen Sly of the home; his children, Darla Sly of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Robin Sly, and wife, Suzanna of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Kathy Alexander, and husband, John of Muskogee, Oklahoma; his grandchildren, Brandon Porter, Emily Porter, Steven Sly, Angel Megan Sly, Lance Watkins, and Brooklyn DeLue; great-grandchildren, Parker Sly, Eden Sly, Lane Sly, Allee Porter, Beau Porter, Kylie Porter, Jaden DeLue, Addison DeLue, Averie DeLue, Averie DeLue, Christy Arnett, and Skyler Watkins; great-great grandchildren, Baylor Arnett; nephews and nieces, Marvin Long, Harold Long, David Long, Sherry Sly, John Sly, Mike Sly, Sandy, Twyla Whitekiller, Bonnie, Harold Ray Richmond, Larry Wayne Hall, Leon Sly, and Sherry Tipton; great nieces and nephews; cousins; and other family; as for many friends.

Doyle Sly will be dearly missed, but his legacy lives on through his family and the many memories shared with those he loved.

A Graveside Service will be held to honor the life of Doyle Sly on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Elmwood Cemetery, Wagoner, Oklahoma. Life Celebrant Mary Jane Whisnant will officiate.

The family of Doyle Sly has entrusted his care and services to Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory, 417 East Cherokee Street, Wagoner, Oklahoma, 74467. 918-485-2911