Richard Neal “Rick” Doan, 72 of Taylorville, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Carriage Crossing Senior Living in Taylorville. He was born on August 26, 1951, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Robert and Florence (Green) Doan. He married the love of his life Marilee Woodward on November 22, 1975, in Taylorville. Rick graduated from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville and worked in radio, advertising, and retired as an auditor for the State of Illinois. He had a strong work ethic and loved being around people. However, his true passion was officiating. Rick was a long-time sports official covering high school and junior college basketball games and football games from high school through Division 1 college games. He mentored many officials and was known for his fairness and ability to work with coaches and staff with humor and level-headedness. Rick officiated for 36 years and was selected to officiate at college bowl games across the country on multiple occasions. He was recognized as the 2006 Official of the Year for the Sun Belt Conference, and in 2013 was inducted into the Bloomington-Normal Officials Association Hall of Fame. He was a diehard fan of the Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals, and any team his grandchildren played for. Rick was an active member of the Taylorville First United Methodist Church where he was a Certified Lay Speaker and involved in the Methodist Men’s group – serving meals, ushering on Sundays, and leading Sunday School groups. He gave back to his community by serving on the Taylorville School Board for 12 years, including as president for part of that tenure. He loved music – especially country-western and gospel – and played guitar in his youth.
More than anything Rick adored his family, especially his five grandchildren. He is survived by his wife: Marilee of Taylorville; children: Ericka Zetterberg (Zac) of Peoria and Jason Doan (Kristy) of Chatham; grandchildren: Brody Doan, Jackson Doan, Eliza Zetterberg, Samuel Zetterberg, and Marcella Zetterberg; siblings: Karen Phillips of Claremont and Lonnie Doan (Roberta) of Texas; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Bobby Doan. Rick will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, quiet leadership, steady presence, Christian values, and love of his family.
Rick will be cremated, and a memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the Taylorville First United Methodist Church with Pastor Brennan Hurley officiating. There will be a visitation on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McClure Funeral Home as well as 1 hour before the service on Thursday in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Taylorville First United Methodist Church or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The family thanks the nurses and care aides at Carriage Crossing Senior Living and Mark Ehrhardt for the loving care they provided. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
