Walter “Wally” Doan

Services for Walter “Wally” Doan, 61, of Forney were held Saturday, December 17, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Forney with Bro. Jim Prichard, Bro. Kirk Luecke and Bro Stan Britton officiating, under the direction of Eubank Funeral Home of Canton. Interment will be in Haven of Memories in Canton. Walter “Wally” Doan, 61 years old, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2016, at his home in Forney after a well fought battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. His strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, uplifting sense of humor and his unconditional love for his family carried him through 13 months of treatment for this unyielding disease. Wally was born October 22, 1955 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Robert Glenn and Virginia Stephenson Doan. His family lived in California and Arizona before settling in Seagoville, Texas. He went to Seagoville High School until he dropped out to join the Navy (he was tired of people telling him what to do!) After his time ser ved in the Navy, Wally joined the International Union of Elevator Constructors and worked in the elevator trade for over 40 years until his retirement in January of 2015. He loved working on elevators and the relationships he built with various building Obituaries engineers. He cherished the bond he had with all of the “elevator guys.” Wally carried that love for working with his hands outside of his profession and had a special passion for working on old trucks and cars. His favorite “vacations” were those spent at auto shows and swamp meets! Wally was a friend to all who knew him and rarely met a stranger. He will be remembered by many for his infectious laugh, quick wit, and steadfast sense of humor that never left him, even during the last hours. For example, when asked how he felt, Wally would always respond, “With my fingers!” His sweet and simple demeanor won the trust and hearts of many and made him a natural with children. His gift of joy regardless of his circumstances will never be forgotten. Wally was a member of the First Baptist Church in Forney and the Local #21 IUEC. Mr. Doan is survived by his wife, Janis Samford Doan, of Forney; son, Coy Shane and Sara Doan of Murphy, TX; daughter, Hanna and Adam Bateman of Forney; son, Ethan and Molly Doan of Clinton, Mississippi; three grandchildren: Gracie Bateman, Jaxon Doan and Tatum Doan; brother, Bill and Janis Doan of Fort Wayne, Indiana; sister, Sandy and Dave Eddington of Rowlett, TX and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor can be made to the UT Southwestern Medical Foundation, please specify for Glioblastoma Research in honor of Walter Doan. Southwestern Medical Foundation at UT Southwestern Medical Center; Office of Development; P.O. Box 910888; Dallas, TX 75391-0888; swmedical.org/ makeagift