Mr. Robert Kenneth Doran, 86, of Carman, Illinois passed away Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 2:28 A.M. at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
He was born September 25, 1923 in Oakville, Iowa, in his aunts house, behind the blacksmith shop, the son of Henry W. and Ann C. (Rold) Doran. On September 12, 1944 he married Jean E. Milligan in Gladstone, Illinois. She preceded him in death on September 25, 2001. Mr. Doran was a 1941 graduate of the Sperry, Iowa highschool. He attended college for one year where he studied agriculture. He served in the Army during World War II. He farmed for 68 years, retiring in 2004. Although retired, he remained active in the operation of his farm. As a young man he farmed his mothers farm, on highway 99, north of Burlington, Iowa. He also worked at the IAAP, where he drove a bomb truck and was also a school bus driver. In 1954 he moved to Carman where he farmed the Vaughan farm. He also worked at the Champion Sparkplug in Burlington, as well as a live stock inspector for the state of Illinois from 1962-1964. He was a member of the American Legion, and the Carman United Methodist Church. He served as precinct committeeman for Carman for many years and was Carman township supervisor from 1976-1992. Mr. Doran had a great sense of humor and was very witty. In his younger years he enjoyed riding his Harley, driving sporty Chevy cars and going to Las Vegas.
He is survived by three sons Robert C. (Virginia) Doran, Stephen A. Doran of Carman, Thomas E. (Diana) Doran of Carman and one daughter Diana L.(Greg) Isaacson of Carman, eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one great-grandchild on the way, two great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his special friends Vern Stoller, Senorita and Addie.
He was preceded in death by his wife, five brothers, three sisters and his parents.
Services will be held Monday, August 23, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at the Carman United Methodist Church with Kendall Hetrick and Rev. Anita Munden officiating. Burial with Military Rites will be in the Carman Cemetery. The family will meet with friends Sunday, from 2-4 P.M. at Banks and Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, Illinois. A memorial fund has been established for the Carman Community Center, Carman United Methodist Church, or to a charity of the donors choice.