Robert L. Doan

Robert L. Doan, husband, father, father in law, grandfather, brother, brother in law, friend and also known as “the Wizard”.  “Bob” was born on June 5, 1937 in Springfield, Illinois to Margaret and George Doan. Bob was preceded in death by a brother George, and sister Rosemary.  He is survived by his younger brother Jon Doan (Debbie) of Orlando, Florida. Bob was a success out of St. James Trade School in Springfield. It was also in Springfield where he met the love of his life Margaret “Bobbie” Doan. They married October 18, 1958 and eventually settled in Garden Grove, California to raise their five children who all survive him;

Jeanine Hurst (Brad), Rob Doan, Mary McGee (Pat), Mike Doan (Susan), John Doan (Holly). He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Stefani Morgan, Erin McGee, Cameron and Brad Doan, Austin and Olivia Doan. He leaves behind brothers and sister in laws, 35 nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and nephews, all who adored him as the life of the party at all family functions. He was the first to visit the hospital when new family members arrived!

He was a father figure to many over the years and took every opportunity to mentor as a family man and businessman. His legacy includes owning Flange Wizard for 40 years (a leader in welding equipment) and earned him the nickname of “the Wizard '' based on the fact he patented over fifty tools for the welding industry. More so than his passion for his business he loved his family, Catholic faith, friends from all over the world and all sports but especially the Mater Dei Monarchs where all 5 of his children attended as well as 5 of his grandchildren.  His other passions were music and particularly Johnny Cash and he could yodel with the best of them.  Nothing was better than a family gathering where he would grab a mic and break out into an Elvis tune and captivate the entire audience, young and old.

Bob Doan was a larger than life personality, if you knew him, you knew this to be true.  At his core he lived the American dream, a man who came from a humble background, built a successful business but never lost sight of the important things in life: family and friends. He was generous to a fault and downright unassuming and funny.  He battled prostate cancer for a year and never complained. He died peacefully at home with his bride of 62 years Bobbie or “Mother” as he affectionately called her.  His legacy will live on by all the lives he touched. God rest his beautiful soul. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bob Doan Memorial Scholarship Fund at the AWS Foundation.  Donations may be made online at www.aws.org/donate or mailed to the American Welding Society (issue check to: AWS Foundation) AWS, Attn: Bob Doan Scholarship Fund, 8669 NW 36th Street, Suite #130, Miami, FL 33166.

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