Ray Nichols Doan's Obituary
Ray Nichols Doan passed away after a long courageous battle with ALS on March 1, 2014. He was 65 years old. Ray was born on June 12, 1948 to Lewis and Florida Doan. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1967, fought for his country as a Marine in Vietnam, and later went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree from Grand Valley State University. In 1994 he married Barb and they enjoyed almost 20 years of marriage. Ray attended the Christian Life Center, was a member of American Legion Post 9 and was very proud to call himself a Marine. He enjoyed his dogs Ben and Jodi, looking at cars, house hunting and as a child playing Jim and Joe, his fictitious playmates; however, most important to Ray was his family. He was a witty, loving, selfless, friend, brother, father, and husband. He will be deeply missed. SURVIVORS include his wife Barb; 2 children, Michelle DeVowe and Ryan Doan; 2 grandchildren, Brooke DeVowe and Jude Doan; great granddaughter, Raeleigh; Kevin Hartman, whom he affectionately referred to as his foster son; brothers, Burgess Leon (Sandy), Bobby, and Jesse (Renee) Doan; 5 sisters, Edna Knox, Ruth (Alan) Malott, Dorothy Kempf, Lucille Bulthouse (Pat), Rosie (Bryan) McClain; many very special nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Mary Doan; mother and father-in-law, Julius and Gertrude Hosko. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Michael Doan; brother Lewis Jr.; sister-in-law, Rose Doan; brothers-in-law, William Knox and Larry Kempf. SERVICES will be held at 11am on Friday March 28 with Military Rites at The Christian Life Center 16765 Hemlock, Spring Lake with Rev. Curtis McClain and Chaplain Kevin Hartman officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS can be made to ALS Foundation or Wounded Warriors.
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