Michael Robert Doane

Michael Robert Doane, 60, passed away on November 26, 2015. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, November 5, 1955 and resided in Orange Park, Florida. Mr. Doane was a devoted and loving family man. He started his career at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia as a Supervisor in the Warehouse and then enlisted into the United States Air Force. He strongly believed in God, served in the United States Air Force, dearly loved his Country and the American Flag. Mr. Doane worked at NAS Jacksonville, Civil Service as an Air Craft Mechanic. He was extremely knowledgeable on the workings of numerous aircraft but his main love and passion was working on the F-14 Tomcat until it was retired from service. At the time of his passing, Mr. Doane was also a Chapter Officer, serving as Secretary, for Rolling Thunder, Inc., Florida Chapter #4. He felt a deep, strong, passion, to do whatever he could do to aide and help his fellow Veterans and addressed many issues regarding our POW/MIA’s. He was a member of the Patriot Guard, Oathkeepers, National Rifle Association and other organizations in order to continue to serve his Country and our Veterans.

Mr. Doane dearly loved to ride his motorcycle, his 2006 Honda Gold Wing affectionately called “Southern Belle” and actively participated in numerous ceremonies and events. He did not like to be “caged”, his motorcycle was very much a part of him. In June, 2015, he purchased a 2007 Honda Shadow for his wife, taught her how to safely ride so the two of them could ride side by side. One of his main goals, was to travel with his wife, riding at his side, to attend the 2016 Memorial Day events in Washington DC with his Rolling Thunder Chapter. Mr. Doane enjoyed the world of mechanics and computers. If it was broken, needed repair or maintenance, he was the man that was contacted. He was a perfectionist but would admit mistakes and would work even harder to achieve perfection as close to possible. He would always do extensive research, chat on line and books, on any project he endeavored to accomplish. He enjoyed building, rebuilding and shooting firearms. He enjoyed boating and fishing. There are so many family memories that if the sky was paper and the seas were ink, there still would not be enough paper nor ink to complete everything. He was always only a telephone call away if family or friends were in need of him. He had a sense of humor too, totally unpredictable at times. He had a beautiful smile and a hardy laugh to go with it. He played the cello in Junior High School, 5th chair cello, only to discover, 20 plus years later, he would meet Heidi, that attended the same school and was 2nd chair cello that stayed after school with him to teach him to keep in tune with the rest of the string instruments. At one Halloween Party, husband and wife went as Beauty and the Beast, he insisted on being “Beauty”. He planned, coordinated and implemented many motorcycle trips with his wife, Heidi. Every trip was an adventure, added to the memories and experiences of his life, their lives. He loved his children with every beat of his heart, was a very active part of each of their lives giving his love and guidance. He was in attendance at the birth of his Grandchildren and loved tease, play, wipe their tears and sit and talk with them. He was a dear friend to so many people and touch the hearts of so many. He is, and will be, greatly missed but will remain in our hearts forever. In a field of flowers, he is the biggest, most beautiful scented flower, that God decided to pick to be with him. The name of the flower is unknown, only that God picked him.

Mr. Doane is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Heidi, sons; Ryan Brenndan and Jeffrey Alex Doane (Katelyn), daughter; Alanna Michelle Doane-Landis (John) (Alanna served in the U.S. Army and John currently serves in the U.S. Army) and 3 grandchildren; Brianna Marie Landis, Alex Ryder Doane and Silas Blaise Doane.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM, Friday December 11, 2015 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd Orange Park, Florida 32073 and inurnment will follow 2:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road Jacksonville, Florida. If you are only attending graveside, please arrive 30 minutes early and line up in lane #1. Please leave words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.