Paul Michael "Mike" Doran

PAUL MICHAEL “MIKE” DORAN

July 6, 1943 – January 12, 2025

Paul Michael “Mike” Doran passed away peacefully at Blair Ridge Health Campus in Peru, Indiana on January 12, 2025, at the age of 81.  He is survived by Bonnie (Sims), his devoted and loving wife of almost 26 years; his first wife Gerrie-Anne, mother of his children, Shelly Tracy of Naples, FL, Stephanie Doran of Kokomo, IN, and Drew Doran, of Indianapolis, IN; his two grandchildren, Braxton Tracy and Madison Tracy; and his great grandchildren, Alexa Tracy, Blake Tracy and Elena Tracy; and his great-great granddaughter, Arden Berry, all of Florida. Other family members include his stepdaughter, Beth Ann Dunn and her husband Steve, along with their four sons, Nathan, Brad, Joe, and A.J. and seven great grandchildren of Peru, IN.

Mike was born and raised in Peru, IN.  He attended Peru High School from 1957 to 1961 where he played varsity football.  Outside of school, Mike spent his summers at the family cottage located on Lake Manitou where he developed his extreme love of being on the water.  He became an avid water skier and would drive the family boat any chance he could get.  This soon led to his most loved passion, hydroplane racing.  With the exuberant support of his father, this would be where the Doran Racing Team would find its roots and eventually grow into one of the most successful racing teams of his era.  Mike, together with his inseparable teammates, Karl Spandau and Weldon “Punk” Ebert, would go on to set many records and win numerous championships, both locally and nationally, many of which have stood for years in their respective categories.  Mike was well known for building some of the very best custom engines in boat racing. This tremendous skill ultimately led to his induction into the prestigious American Power Boat Association Hall of Champions in 1978.

After graduating from Peru High School in 1961, he joined his father’s company, A.L. Doran Construction Co., building many commercial properties and schools in Miami County and the surrounding areas, including Peru Junior High School.  After his father’s death, he continued building numerous commercial properties as Mike Doran Construction Co., including well-known venues such as Homer’s Sports Bar and Riverside Fun Center in Peru, IN.  During this time, Mike would continue to display the same determination and excellence in his boat racing as he did in his construction. Known in racing as “Mr. Clean” for the impeccable appearance of his boat engines, the name was a nod to his perfectionist mentality that he applied to not only boat racing, but also his construction and everything else he pursued.

Mike also developed a deep love for Christianity and was a faithful member of the religious community for many years.  He attended many workshops and study groups to deepen his faith as much as possible.  His favorite volunteer activities were his participation in the “Meals-On-Wheels” program and serving as a Red Coat at Dukes Hospital.  Through this, he touched many lives and built strong loving relationships that carried on throughout his life to the very end.  He also loved to donate to the less fortunate.  Mike was a frequent visitor to his favorite charity, St. Vincent de Paul Society.   

Other notable hobbies are Mike’s deep love of billiards, which he inherited from his “pool shark” father Art.  Mike also loved fireworks, the bigger the better!  He was known to travel out of state to find the best fireworks and was well known for his impressive displays.  He loved watching The Ohio State Buckeyes and rarely missed a game. He was also very fond of Notre Dame as his second favorite team. This year in college football has been very special and quite fitting for his final one. 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Mercedes and Arthur L. Doran, brother Robert Doran, and sister Karen Donaldson.

We would also like to give special thanks to all the staff at Blair Ridge for their caring services, support, and empathy during Mike’s final days with us. We truly appreciate their hospitality for both Mike and the family.  We would also like to thank everyone who has reached out in support of our loving father, husband, and grandfather.  He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West 3rd street, Peru, IN.  A funeral service will follow at 6:00 pm with Rev. George McCarty officiating. A private family burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 30 W. 7th street, Peru, IN.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.  Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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