Paul Nobis and I were pallbearers at the funeral of our Theta Brother Rupert Doan on September 13, 2006; also in attendance were Brother Tom Tatham, Anne Nobis, & MariBeth Graham. I would like to share some brief comments on the events.
• The viewing was the longest the funeral home had ever experienced taking visitors over 3 hours in line. The next day it was close to a formal State funeral with an overflowing church, taking over 2 hours to hear his tell tales about their beloved father, grandfather (“Opa”), and associate. Not a dry eye in the audience. They told many funny stories that Rufus would have loved. He always liked being the showman and on that day he would have been so proud. The auto train escorting him to the cemetery had to be close to a mile long with the usual motorcycle escort of Cincinnati’s finest.
• To us he was a character known as “Rufus”; but to his family and friends he was known as Judge Rupert A. Doan, the “longest-sitting judge on a court of appeals in Ohio”, or simply “Opa” (grandfather).
• In college he captivated his Beta brothers with his good humor and he was known in his community as a genuinely fun loving, clever, entertaining guy.
• He was honored for giving generously of his time and talents to the many community charities and cultural activities.
• The Chief Justice of Ohio led a parade of 8 judges as honorary pall bearers while his Beta brothers & 4 friends escorted his casket into the sanctuary. I wish you could have been there to witness this — it was truly impressive.
• Many of the attendees talked at length about his keen intellect, love of people, and a humble man who was “down to earth”. None of this surprised those of us who knew him. Rufus had a love of his community, his German heritage, the law, and legal process. He was the only one I ever knew who came to College knowing that he would become a lawyer, return to Cincinnati, and get into politics. Most of us at that time didn’t have a clue what we wanted to do.
• Grandson Thomas Spraul (14) wrote a poem about “My Opa”, which was very touching and moving.
• It was ironic that Rufus was buried on his 73rd birthday! He would have enjoyed and been impressed with such a large Birthday bash of family, friends, and business associates honoring him.
His beloved wife, Susan Logan Doan, of over 50 years was very appreciative that his college friends were able to share with her the community outpouring of love for her man.
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