Racer Great Bob Doty Remembered at MSU

The Murray State Racers are saddened at the passing of MSU Hall of Fame legendary student-athlete and coach, Bob Doty.

Robert Eugene Doty, 83, passed away on April 22, 2024 in Carbondale, Illinois.

Doty was one of the student-athletes that helped push the Murray State Track & Field program to multiple championships from 1961-65.

Out of St. Elmo High School in Illinois, Doty arrived as champion in the Prairie State to compete at Murray State University, where he was one f the talented athletes that created a highly successful period for Coach Bill Fergerson.

Doty, one of the fastest humans in the world at his peak, was a record-setting sprinter for the Racers in multiple events. By the time he was finished with collegiate competition, Doty owned 12 records at Murray State and in the Ohio Valley Conference. Doty was also part of two OVC team championships in 1962 and 1963.

His records included the 60-yard dash (6.3), 100-yard dash (9.5) and 220-yard dash (21.2). As a senior in 1965, Doty ran on the Racers' outdoor 440-yard relay team that was ranked fourth in the nation with teammates Dennis Jackson, Jim Freeman and Charlie Allen. In the 70-yard dash in 1964, Doty recorded a 7.1 at the Mason-Dixon games in the same heat with Bob Hayes who set a world record at 6.9.

Doty's love for track & field carried him to be head coach for Murray State Track & Field from 1995-02 and later returned to coach in 2004.

In 2007 Doty's daughter, Jill Misner, was inducted into the MSU Hall of Fame. When Bob Doty was honored in 2012, it marked the first father-daughter pair to be inducted at MSU. Doty also became a fellow hall of famer with Dennis Jackson (inducted 2007) and Jim Freeman (inducted 1977). Doty served on the MSU Hall of Fame committee for many years.

Coach Doty's care for his student-athletes, his insight into the technical aspects of track & field and his ability to help them improve will never be forgotten at Murray State. Bob was a valued colleague of countless coaches and staff members, not only at Murray State, but also in the track & field community.

Graveside Services for Bob Doty will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Maplewood Cemetery in St. Elmo, Illinois with Rev. John Annable officiating.

Memorials may be made to Murray State University Athletics and will be accepted at the graveside service.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a memory or story of Bob visit meredithfh.com.

BOB DOTY OBITUARY - MEREDITH FUNERAL HOME
Robert Doty
August 25, 1940 — April 22, 2024

Robert Eugene Doty, 83, passed away on April 22, 2024 in Carbondale, Illinois. Born in Effingham to Sidney and Roberta Doty, on August 25, 1940, Bob grew up in the oil fields at Wrights Corner with a sister, Barbara.

At St. Elmo High School he was an outstanding runner. As a speedster, he set many downstate track records, winning first place in the State of Illinois 100-yard dash and placing second in the 220 yard-dash. Bob received a track scholarship at Murray State University in Kentucky, helping the Thoroughbreds, later called the Racers, set school and Ohio Valley Conference records. His 440 yard relay team time achieved 4th in the nation.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial arts and physical education, Bob began his teaching career at Red Bud High School. He started their track and field program taking two athletes to the State Track meet in his second year of coaching. Bob went on to earn his master's degree in vocational education at the University of Illinois. He started the Diversified Occupation program at Hoopeston High School receiving state recognition. He assisted and coached football and the boys and girls track teams for 27 years. After retiring in Illinois, Bob coached the Murray State University men's and women's cross country, and track and field teams. He was inducted into the St. Elmo High School Hall of Fame, the Hoopeston High School Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Murray State University Athletic Hall of Fame. Bob's numerous scrapbooks, trophies, ribbons, medals, plaques, and records are a testament to what can be achieved.

Bob found the love of his life, Nancy, in a whirlwind summer romance that lasted 57 years. His two children, Aaron Doty of Springfield, IL and Jill Misner of Carbondale, IL gave him three perfect granddaughters, Shelby Doty, Shay Doty, and Madison Misner.

Graveside Services for Bob will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Maplewood Cemetery in St. Elmo, IL with Rev. John Annable officiating.

Memorials may be made to Murray State University Athletics and will be accepted at the graveside service.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a memory or story of Bob visit meredithfh.com.

Murray State University Athletics

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