James Douglas Boyle, 78, of Miles City, passed away of natural causes on December 20, 2025 at his home in Miles City.
Doug was born in Miles City on April 5, 1947 to James and Violet (Smith) Boyle.
Doug was a very talented musician who taught himself how to play the guitar, drums, organ, and bass without any lessons. In the early 1960s, Doug joined Burch Ray and the Walkers and at that same time, Doug formed The Lacers, both regional rock and roll bands that traveled throughout the Midwest as well as the western and southern states. At the age of 14, Doug had the thrill of a lifetime with the other members of The Lacers as they became the backup band for Neil Sedaka when he performed in southeast Montana. Doug would go on to play with other local and regional bans including the Avengers and Northern Pacific Band. Doug was a unique, natural talent and developed many lifelong friendships through his music.
Doug proudly served his country, serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, from July 1966 until July 1969, receiving an Honorable Discharge.
Doug married Patricia Huson in November 1969 in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Doug married Cindy LaRae Brown in November 1979 in Miles City. They were happily married until her untimely passing on February 14, 1985.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents James and Violet, his sister Dinah, his nephew Brian, his nephew Todd, and his wife Cindy. He is survived by his sister Donna, by his nephews Ryan, John, and Chris, his nieces Janel and Jessee, and by Cindy’s daughter April (Verworn) Kuntz.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 9:30am at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City. The public is welcome to attend.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
9:30 a.m.
Friday December 26, 2025
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
9:30 a.m.
Friday December 26, 2025
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
R.I.P. Dear cousin. I will miss you.
B K.
Shorty & Judy says
Oh my our hearts are sadden too many friends are passing God has gained a very social singer fly high Doug
RIP our friend you will be missed by all
Patricia and Robert Washington says
RIP Doug. You were such a talented musician.
Burch and Linda Palmer says
See you on the bandstand in the sky, Doug. Sure going to miss you when we visit Miles. Say “hi” to all of our friends. Burch and Linda
Janet K Klein says
Oh my, this is so hard to see! Doug was such a great musician and known for his great talents. You surely will be missed by many. God speed… Janet
Deb Jerrel says
Oh I was just thinking about him the other day, wondering how he was doing. Such sad news. He was always so helpful when I needed a hand. Rest in peace Dougie..😪
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Doug Boyle what a great musician you were. Our family and the Boyle family were long time friends. My granddad moved to the Pine Hills in 1926. The Boyles were our closest neighbors. Doug and I went all thru school from the second grade thru High school. Always enjoyed our visits when we would see each other. REST IN PEACE my friend!!
Jim and Annalise Willson
Ronald lala lala says
So very sorry to hear about the passing of Doug. Rest in peace.You are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 Condolence to the family.
Ronald lala says
My thoughts go out to the family. Sending my condolences and prayers. Rest in peace.
Punky Mann says
RIP Doug. Going to miss you.
James Howe says
You made it all the way to the end. R I P my friend.
Jim Bastian says
With great sorrow I write this in memory of Doug. As many of you know Doug & I were in the LACERS band for about 3 years, as well as the past All 60’s Class Reunion a few years ago. He was one of the most talented musicians I was fortunate to work with. He will be missed. I spoke to him about two weeks ago, and now feel lucky that I did.
Rest In Peace Doug.
Lilly Cruise says
My world is smaller without you now. I felt blessed to share the stage with you. You taught me to sing true harmony. I snuck into the Alta club at 15 years old, to sing House of The Rising Sun……you were my brother and family from that night..on.
I will miss you saying..Love you sister. All the band members are waiting…. Glenn Shores, Pat Erickson, Randy McCalester, Rich Jacobsen, and Jeff Lamay. We will all forever want to hear you sing Sweet Caroline, and Mama Tried. Love you brother.
Bill Hainer says
So sad to hear of your passing .I will always remember the times we spent togather playing on the road &at the gaslight.
Nancy Fillafer says
So sorry for the loss. I used to love listening to you Doug, & Burch play at the Alta. I know Tom used to talk about the Lasers alot. Tom played the lead guitar. I sure miss them days when they had bands. Take care & play hard up there.
Scott Pering says
Scott Pering Doug sang Color My World at my wedding to Kathy ,in 1978. RIP Doug Say hello to Kathy and the old Gas Light gang for me.
.,
Bruce Wilson says
Doug , you were such a good friend for so many years. We had some great times with Larry, Mike (The original Lacers)
Our show with Neil Sedaka was a real “Hoot” as was so many other shows we did!
RIP My friend.
Bruce
Deb Bickel says
Oh Doug, you are now playing among the angels. I dont know how many times Randy and I twirled around the Alta, listening to best music around we cherished every moment we got to visit with you throughout the years. R.I.P. friend and Gods Blessings to your family and friends.
Randy and Deb Bickel
Carolyn E Hays says
Donna, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss I always thought your brother was the best-looking guy. And such a talent! Way too many of our generation are passing now. Drop me a line and tell me where you are these days. Didn’t see this until after the memorial but know you have my deepest sympathies during this trying time. Cooky Emerson
April Kuntz says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. Doug made my mom (Cindy) very happy. I only got to know him for a short time. We reconnected about 12 years ago. Many phone calls and a few short visits. He will be greatly missed.
April
Linda Davis says
Doug and family:
We will miss you Doug ! The Oster boys ( Lonnie& Larmie)
And Linda give you our heartfelt condolences!
I remember the time you climbed through the bedroom window and woke my Mom ! You said Hi Mrs. Oster ! Where is Lonnie?
Scared poor Mom ! You laughed and went to my brothers room and got Lonnie out of bed to go roam with you !
On a good note : you did come over many times and play the organ for my mom ! She loved that so much !
May you be singing and playing with her in Heaven and all your family ! May you in Gods arms !
With prayers and thoughts ,
Linda ( Oster) Davis and Bruce ! And my brothers Lonnie & Lars Oster !
Dean Hagen says
Peace be with you Doug , you were a great musician,friend & uncle to my daughter. You will be greatly missed , until we meet again prayers 🙏 and God bless you.
Dennis Domagala says
It was an honor to know Doug and appreciate the times we were able to play together for different events. He was a great musician and friend. So sad, see you in Rock and Roll heaven.
dennis Domagala
Teresa Geib Klein Bacon says
I remember Doug very well in HS. My Condolences and Prayers to the Family
Rachel Earl (Bridgman) says
Oh, I’m so sad to see this! I was just thinking about Doug the other day and telling myself it’s been a while since I’ve stopped by to see him. Now it’s too late. Donna and family, sending you my sincerest condolences. It’s such a sad and lonely feeling to see so many family members pass away. My mom, Wava (1st cousins), always talked about the antics of cousin Doug when he was a boy and how he was a natural musician – meaning, he could hear a song on the radio and then sit down at the piano, even as a young boy, and play it, without any formal lessons. My heart is so sad knowing he’s the last of my closely related family in the area. Sending you all my love and hugs from Montana.