Rufus L Doman Obituary

The second greatest man ever to walk this earth passed from this life into the next on Sunday, January 10, 2016 incident to age and degenerative illnesses.

Rufus Leonard Doman was born September 22, 1926 in Parma, Idaho to Vernal DeVere Doman and Bertha Mae Sayre. Rufus was the oldest of three sons with younger brothers Charles DeVere and Donald Ross.

Vernal worked for the railroad as a section foreman and the family moved to numerous locations around Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada following the tracks. Rufus completed high school in Kemmerer, Wyoming where he was Student Body President. While still 17 years old he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp so he wouldn't be drafted. He served in Okinawa, Japan where he maintained bomber turrets and he made extra money in his off time playing saxophone in a band with his fellow corpsman. When he returned from full-time service he rejoined his family in Montpelier where he has lived for the past 70 years.

Rufus began working for the Hansen Lumber Company where he met and married his first love, Verlene Hansen, on June 30, 1955. He was not only a wonderful husband but a kind and caring father to Patricia Ann, Debra and Robin. Four other children were born to this union, Sharon Rae, Kristie Lyn, Teresa Jean and finally a son, Cory Sayre – the chosen one.

Rufus continued to log throughout his life and loved being in the hills. He worked for the LDS church for 20 years as the Regional Coordinator and in maintenance. He also enjoyed spending his time as a bus driver, a mechanic, moving buildings, trimming trees, working with Claire Cheirrett, and anything else he could do that would lessen someone else's load.

Rufus was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as either a ward or stake missionary most of his life. He also served as a Bishop's counselor, in the MIA organization, High Priest group and as a ward clerk. He loved serving and meeting any new member of his local ward.

Following Verlene's death in 1991, Rufus was introduced to and married his second love, Donna Bowen Wright, on June 25, 1993. Rufus and Donna had known little about each other, but when they became acquainted the loneliness of their current lives placed them in a new situation, and love blossomed between them. With the combined families they now leave a legacy of nearly two hundred children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Rufus was a wonderful, gentle, kind, meek man who lived by example and never realized how truly amazing he was.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 16, 2016, at the Montpelier Tabernacle (925 Washington Street, Montpelier, Idaho) at noon. There will be a viewing Friday, January 15, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Matthews Mortuary (702 Clay Street, Montpelier, Idaho) and from 10:00 to 11:45 am prior to services at the Tabernacle.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Clay Campbell, Anya Anthony, the hospital staff and the caring nurses all of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the LDS Missionary Fund.