Dr. R. Doran Espe (1947-2009)

ESPE, DORAN, HARVEY, SKELLENGER

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 4/28/2009 at 20:37:18

THE STORY CITY HERALD, Story City, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, November 26, 2008.

Dr. R. Doran Espe, O.D., 61, of Independence, Iowa, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 12, 2008 at his home from metastatic bladder cancer.
Doran was born on August 27, 1947 in Boone, the son of Robert Vernon and Olive Marie (Doran) Espe. He grew up on the family's Century Farm near Radcliffe, with a love of reading instilled by his father, and a desire to play the saxophone, from his mother.

He graduated from the Radcliffe High School, briefly holding the record for pole vaulting and receiving the John Phillip Sousa Award. He went on to graduate from Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls, and received a teaching degree in mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Doran then taught at Dubuque Senior High School in Dubuque for five years.

While at Ellsworth Junior College Doran began playing music professionally, forming a popular seven piece dance band called The Major 7th which played in numerous establishments in the tri-state area. His love for music took many forms. At various times, he played in the Independence Community Band, the Cedar Valley Big Band, Oelwein's Tuxedo Junction, and the Sentimental Swing band out of Fort Dodge. He also played in the pit for community theater both in Independence and Cedar Rapids. At the First United Methodist Church, he played with, and eventually led, the Joyful Noise Praise Band, playing jazz and Dixieland for the contemporary services. He was an avid supporter of music in the schools. He frequently attended concerts and contests alike, even providing snacks for the jazz band as they traveled to various music events.

It was while visiting UNI to find a new drummer in 1969, that he met and fell in love with Stephany Harvey and they later married in 1974. The couple moved to Fullerton, California, where he received his doctorate in Optometry, summa cum laude, from the Southern California College of Optometry. The couple then returned to Iowa to open an optometric practice in Independence. He hired an associate, Dr Carrie Kearns, in late 2007, when cancer forced him to spend time out of the office.

His life changed when his son, Robert Harvey Espe, was born in 1988. He spent the next 20 years being the best father he could be. He, Stephany and Robert attended jazz camps together, including the Jim Widner Big Band Camps at Simpson College and Drury University, the UNI Combo Camp, and Northwoods Jazz Camp. They also traveled to Suzuki Institutes in Cincinnati and Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Doran enjoyed working with his patients and missed them very much when he was ill. He attempted several times to return to practice during his chemotherapy, and was saddened when forced by metastasis to quit practicing. He especially missed younger patients, and had set up a program to provide free comprehensive exams for every prekindergarten child in his area, as he felt every child should enter school ready to learn. He loved to share his magic tricks, learned from Mr. Nick, who also shared his love of big band music.

Doran served on the Board of Directors for the Independence Chamber of Commerce, and was an Ambassador, a Rotarian, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and the Shriners.

He and his family enjoyed sharing music, art, history, audio books while traveling, reading humorous essays aloud in the evening, and he especially enjoyed discussing philosophy with Robert. The family's love of good food took them to Chicago each summer for a week of wide variety in foods. Each summer they tried to visit a new area and try new ethnic cuisines and styles of music.

His greatest love, however, was his family. He told them many times he had approached the end of his life with no regrets. He spent his last hours with his wife and son at home.

Doran is survived by his wife, Stephany Harvey, Independence; son, Robert Harvey Espe, Cedar Falls, Iowa; a sister, Ann (Don) Skellenger, Lakeland, Florida; two nieces, four nephews and three dogs.

A Celebration of Dorm's life was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence and a Service of Commemoration was held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the First United Methodist Church in Independence.

Memorials may be directed to the Dr. R. Doran Espe Memorial Fund, % Banklowa, 230 1st St. E.; Independence, IA 50644.