Harold “Corky” Doxey, a well known and well-liked longtime custodian at Wayland Middle School, died at a hospital in Kalamazoo Saturday. He was 74.

Doxey, a 1967 graduate of Wayland High School, served in the Army and turned in more than 35 years as custodian at the middle school. He was more than a custodian; he looked after the well being of the students and initiated a work program for young people who might want to get into janitorial services.

Doxey was forced to retire nearly a dozen years ago when the school district decided to hire a private service.

He was described as a genuine, nurturing, and caring man who was devoted to his family and community. He was known for his infectious smile, work ethic, and incredible ability to recall sports statistics – specifically baseball – from any player, team, or year. He might still have every stat and name written on paper scraps tucked in his collection of the sports section of every major newspaper for the last several years.

He was very proud of his nieces and nephews and talked about them to everyone he met. Corky could strike up a conversation with anyone and found joy in everyday tasks and interactions. No one ever forgot his name or where he was from because you never saw him without his “CORKY” baseball cap, usually with the Wayland School Wildcat mascot on it.

Corky looked forward to his fantasy baseball draft that he did with his friend of 60 years, Cliff Sage; friend, Scott Hall; and brother, Mark.

Sage commented, “This past weekend, I not only lost a beloved friend I lost a brother I never had,” Sage said. “Around 40 years ago, Superintendent Bob Brenner came to me as a reference for Corky for a job for WUS. I told him the only mistake he could make is if he didn’t hire him.

“He became a dedicated employee to WUS on the custodial staff. He was a friend to everyone and was always available to lend a helping hand.

“During my years of coaching , Corky freely gave of his time to assist with JV girls’ basketball, JV softball, and boys basketball.  He was well known for supplying the teams with ‘Bazooka Bubble Gum.’ He always slipped a roll of Life Savers into my hand before games.

“He was always anxious to talk the game of baseball. He had an avid love for his fantasy baseball and was always cheering everyone on in the league.”

He is survived his wife, Cinda Doxey; stepchildren Lori (William) Smigelski, Christopher (Sara) McGehee; five grandchildren Carter, Callie, Hailey, Hannah, and Camden; sister, Sharon DeYoung; brother, Mark (Dawn) Doxey; nieces and nephews Brad Peet, Stacey (Ryan) Myers, Kendall (Michelle) Doxey, Mitchell Doxey; and great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Doxey Sr.; mother, Doris Doxey (nee Smith); brother, Gary Doxey; infant brother; infant nephew, Jason Peet; brothers-in-law Richard Peet and Lloyd DeYoung.

Services will be held at noon Saturday, July 20, at Wayland Christian Reformed Church, 303 E. Elm St., with visitation from 10 to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service.

In memory of Corky and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wayland Little League baseball and softball, Wayland Special Olympics, or Superficial Siderosis Research Alliance, Inc. National Organization for Rare Disease (NORD).