Donald Eugene Doran
April 17, 1934 - July 12, 2025
Obituary
MADISON - Loving husband and father, Donald Eugene Doran, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Talamore Senior Living. Born April 17, 1934, in Madison, Wis., he was the beloved son of James and Helen (Anderson) Doran.
Don attended Central High School and went on to live a life rich in love, labor and laughter. He married the love of his life, Carolyn (Adkison), on March 17, 1958, in Dubuque Iowa. Together they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, family and community.
A true jack of all trades, Don retired from MG&E in the early 90s after decades of service. As a proud union member, he served as president and steward of the IBEW Local 2304. After retirement, he joined his wife Carolyn working for the W Club, where he never met a stranger.
Don also served four honorable years in the U.S. Army from 1955-1959, including two years of active service and two years in the reserves. His sense of duty extended far beyond his service years, and showed up fully in every aspect of his life.
Don was never one to sit still for long. He enjoyed and played many sports. He was a Golden Gloves boxer, a women’s softball coach (his wife’s team included) and was an enthusiastic coach and cheerleader for every one of children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Whether it was coaching, fixing or storytelling, he brought heart and humor to all he did.
Don is survived by his children, Sandra K. (Daniel) Corns, Donald C. (Lizbeth) Doran, Daniel C. (Patty) Doran and Sally L. (Chip) Jenkins; grandchildren, Kelly (Daniel), Daniel (Devon), Matthew, Michael (Codie) and Kayla; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen Doran; his beloved wife, Carolyn; his brothers, James, Clayton, Robert and Richard; and his sisters, Geraldine Quinto, Barbara Pourroy and Lois Schaefer.
A funeral service will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Roselawn Memorial Park, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.
Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420