Donald Joseph Hoyt, 87, of Marion, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, October 13, 2014, following a courageous battle with cancer. Memorial Services: 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 20, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2014, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion.
Survivors include his wife of sixty-five years, Billie of Marion; two sons, Robert (Karen) Hoyt of Marion, Dennis (Laurie) Hoyt of Caledonia, Michigan; two daughters, Vicki (John) Casali of Cedar Rapids and Debra (Jeff) Wilkin of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Casey (Leslie) Hoyt, Tyler (Jenny) Hoyt, Christie (John Peplinski) Hoyt, Jennifer Hoyt, Taylor (Katelyn) Wilkin and Jenna (Mike) Lebler; and one great-grandson, Eli Wilkin.
Don is also survived by his sister, Margaret Hagan of Chandler, Arizona; three sisters-in-law, Bernadine Hoyt of Cedar Rapids, Margaret Pearlman of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and Connie Barto of Marquette, Michigan; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James Hoyt and William Hoyt; sister-in-law, Doris Hoyt; brothers-in-law, Glen Barto, Dave Hagan, and Jerome Pearlman; and three nephews, Jim and Mike Hoyt, and Rick Hagan.
Donald was born October 1, 1927, in Oxford, Iowa, the son of Ambrose and Ellen (Barry) Hoyt. Don grew up in Oxford and graduated from Oxford High School in May, 1945. He met Billie Jeanne Barto, and they were united in marriage on October 8, 1949. They resided in Oxford for a short time before moving to Cedar Rapids. Don then built a home in Marion in 1956, which they moved into and have since resided.
Don worked in sales until he started his company, Don Hoyt Construction, in the early 1960’s. He enjoyed building and loved to keep busy. Don had a keen sense of humor and wit, and he truly enjoyed time with his family and friends.
Memorials may be directed to the Don Hoyt Memorial Fund.