of North Little Rock, AR
May 12, 1950 - April 4, 2023
Steve Doan, 72, of North Little Rock passed away April 4, 2023. He was born May 12, 1950 to Dr. Lemont and Martha Doan in Little Rock, Arkansas. In his early years, Steve loved spending his summers in Vardaman, Mississippi with his grandmother, Essie, also known as ''Big Mama'', his Uncle JB, and other beloved relatives. He graduated from Hall High School in 1968. He served in the U.S. Navy at the young age of 20 during the Vietnam war in 1970. After his return home, he went to school and worked a few odd jobs. He even dabbled in becoming an actor and got his first role as an extra in the movie ''End of the Line'' starring Mary Steenburgen.
He landed his favorite job as a Production Manager for Channel 11 and worked there for nearly 20 years. It was there that his passion for television, film making and videography blossomed. He was the Telecast Director for UALR basketball and oversaw broadcast programming. He served as the Production Manager for numerous telethons, including but not limited to, the Arkansas Children's Hospital Network and the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon.
After leaving channel 11, he obtained a degree in computer programming and began a career at Alltel. Throughout his many decades working in various places, he developed many close relationships with co-workers that he cherished as close friends.
He was a diehard Razorbacks fan, with the newspaper clippings to show. He also enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys and Boston Celtics.
Besides TV and sports, his other great love was music. From Frank Sinatra to the Rolling Stones-music was one of the biggest parts of his life. To him, the most influential band was The Beatles. He always talked about how he will never forget when he heard their song ''I Want to Hold Your Hand'' for the very first time in 1964 at the young age of 14.
He shared his love of music with his sons every day. There was always a record playing in the house and sounds of guitars strumming on the weekends. He really enjoyed sharing these passions with his sons, as well as watching them grow over the years.
A few of his other favorite things to do included going to the beach, Disneyworld, Silver Dollar City and attending concerts. He was lucky enough to be able to see a Broadway play ''The Producers'' and see the Rolling Stones in concert at the Cotton Bowl in the 1970's.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Jack and Dr. Lemont Doan. He leaves two sons, Keegan (Rachel) Doan and Chris Doan; two brothers, Alan (Paula) Doan and Kenny (Teresa) Doan; three nieces, Leah Murphy, Ashley McMullen and Katie Lackey and two nephews, Kennan Doan and Logan Mays.
A memorial service to celebrate Steve's life will be held 4 pm, Monday, April 10, 2023 at Roller Drummond Funeral Home.
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14 Condolence(s)
Mary Boaz
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
A lot of light and good spirited fun just left our world with the passing of Steve. We worked several telethons together when I was at United Cerebral Palsy, and hanging out with this guy was one of the highlights of all those long hours spent raising money. He was professional, but he made it all easy and fun. Always a fond memory carried with me…he lives on!
Chris and Bob White
Monday, April 10, 2023
So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, Alan. Condolences to you and family.
Bill Jones
Monday, April 10, 2023
I am heartbroken. Steve was my closest friend from Mrs. Darnell’s Kindergarten through Forest Heights Junior High. I spent as much time at the Doans’ house on Richwood Road as I did at my own home, playing Tarzan and listening to records with Steve and his brothers Alan and Kenny. His mother Martha was truly a second mom to me. This is such a great loss. There is so much love for the Doan family that I carry, and there are so many deeply embedded memories that I will carry forever.
Pat Pinson
Saturday, April 8, 2023
I was shocked and very sad to learn of Steve's death. I was one of the five friends Dave McMurray mentioned above at Hall High in Lttle Rock. We did have some fun times back then. Steve and I went on different paths and lost connection with each other. Something I will regret. My prayers and thoughts are with Keegan, and Chris (his sons) and Alan and Kenny (his brothers) and their families. RIP by friend.
Oran Hardcastle
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Very sad to learn about Steve’s passing. He was a good friend for almost 40 years. We worked together at Ch. 11 for many years which included working together on the UALR games. Just a very good guy, he will be missed.
Debbie Rogers
Friday, April 7, 2023
Chris, Keegan, and Rachel,
Learning about the untimely death of your beloved and incomparable father brought profound sadness to my heart. Steve was always such a gentleman, a kind and gracious man. His smile and sense of humor were contagious . I’m a blessed person to have known your dad. You are covered in my prayers.
Jim Gibbons
Friday, April 7, 2023
It saddens me greatly to learn of Steve's passing. He served as a volunteer in the hospital program I directed for many years at Baptist Health and we later worked together on the staff at UAMS. He was a good man, a fine gentleman and will be greatly missed. RIP, my friend.
Judy McKellips Smith
Friday, April 7, 2023
I am saddened to hear about Steve’s passing. I, along with other classmates were looking forward to seeing him again at our 55th reunion in June. He will be missed.
Paula Pendergrass Allen
Friday, April 7, 2023
I was heartbroken when I heard Steve passed away. Was looking forward to seeing him at our 55 reunion this summer. Sending each of his family members comforting prayers. What a great life he had. Fly High Steve, Fly High. You will be missed
Dave McMurry
Friday, April 7, 2023
It was with profound sadness that I heard of Steve's passing. Steve was one of a group of five close friends who together had many adventures. His quirky sense of humor eased the passing of the awkward years of high school. I lost contact with Steve over the years but we reconnected at our 50th high school reunion. I will miss my friend Steve, but I will never forget the many tales of Couch Q and the giant possum.
Jim Orahood
Friday, April 7, 2023
RIP STEVE. SO SAD TO LOSE ANOTHER WARRIOR CLASSMATE. FOR OUR 20 YR REUNION I FOUND SEVERAL GAME FILMS(FOOTBALL). AT THE TIME STEVE WAS WORKING AT KTHV AND HE USED HIS SKILL AND PRODUCERS MAGIC TO MAKE A REALLY GOOD VIDEO.
Rick Darling
Friday, April 7, 2023
I grew up with and we’re friends with Steve and his brothers Alan and Kenny.
I am saddened for the loss of this friend and will pray for him and his family.
Steve Aldridge
Friday, April 7, 2023
I am saddened bySteve’s death. We have been communicating and had planned on going to our upcoming reunion. We were great friends in high school and finally reconnected at our 50th reunion. In fact he and I discussed last weeks tornado thru texts. I am shocked that I lost a great friend.
Mandy Willmuth Farquhar
Thursday, April 6, 2023
I am so sorry for the loss of Steve. He taught me so much about music as a young kid riding around in his car while he was working for channel 11 news. He was a huge influence on me. Although I haven’t seen him in years, I know he will be missed. RIP Steve. Prayers for his family.