Edward Martin Doran

Edward Martin Doran, age 83, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2014 at Whispering Woods Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family. He lived in West Branch from 1968 until 1999.

Edward was born on December 22, 1930 to Edward Patrick and Lillian Anna Doran in North Braddock, PA. Edward married Harriet Doran on August 30, 1956 in Hetherton, Michigan. They just celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. He was an X-ray technician for the U.S. Army at Los Alamos, NM, 1950 to 1952, prior to beginning his 30 year teaching career.

Retiring after 29 wonderful years as a high school teacher at Ogemaw Heights, he also directed numerous musicals and plays with the Ogemaw Community Players. He is well remembered for his lead role as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. Music was a huge part of his life, starting with his time at Geneva College, (Beaver Falls, PA) singing in the college barbershop quartet and choir, and later singing with numerous church choirs. Edward was a significant part of the early Little League Baseball Association in West Branch, serving as its president, and before that, a college football player at Geneva College, as well as a coach and referee in northeast Michigan. From sports to music, Edward loved life, and anyone who came into contact with him knew his love for people, music, sports and for his Lord.

Edward is survived by his cherished wife, Harriet (Hat) Doran of 58 years, sons, Dan (Chris) of Hastings, Michigan, Dave (Tami) of Ada, MI, Sean (Mary) of Williamsburg, Michigan, Bill (Judy) of Caledonia, Michigan and daughter, Jennifer (Chris) Smusz, of St. Joseph, Michigan, his sister Catherine Jobe of North Braddock, PA, as well as grandchildren, Tim, Eric, Kyle, Casie, Michael, Christian, Caelan, Donovan, Erin, Shawn and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be Friday, September 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church in West Branch with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Ray Morton will officiate.