Richard “Dick” A. Doak
Age 80, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on February 20, 2025, in Tawas City, Michigan. Dick was born to the late Edward and Ethelyn (Allison) Doak on February 7th, 1945, in East Tawas, Michigan. He was a lifelong resident of Tawas, and was a proud graduate of Tawas Area High School Class of 1963. Following high school, Dick attended Delta College for two years studying Architecture before he was drafted into the United States Army in March of 1966. Dick proudly served our country for two years as a SGT before returning from service in 1968. When he returned home, he joined the workforce as a construction worker for Forest Construction. Dick spent 20 hard working years in the field before pursuing his passion of owning his own carpentry business, “Richard Doak Custom Carpentry”. He spent the next 15 years performing carpentry work around the community. Dick was a very highly regarded carpenter as his perfectionist mentality only allowed for him to create the best work he possibly could.
On October 16, 1971, Dick married the love of his life, Mary (Connelly) Doak, in Bay City, Michigan. The two of them shared 54 amazing years of marriage together, and enjoyed every second of it. Dick and Mary raised two incredible daughters together that he loved so dearly. Family was very important to him, and he was very proud of the one he had.
Dick was a member of the Tawas Area Elks Lodge #2525. One of Dick’s favorite things to do was golf. He spent countless hours on the course, and he considered that to be his “happy place”. Dick made so many friends and memories out on the golf course, and was incredibly grateful for those times. Some of his other favorite hobbies consisted of hunting, fishing, bowling, basketball, baseball, shooting pool, and spending quality time with the ones he loved. Dick was a very smart, organized, loving, and fun man to be around, and he will be missed dearly by many.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary (Connelly) Doak; daughters, Jill (Mike) Hamann and Sarah (Darren Kalis) Doak; grandchildren Justin, Alex, Katie, and Brynn; brother, Ronald (Jan) Doak; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents Edward and Ethelyn Doak, Dick is preceded in death by his sister, Lynn Descho.
A memorial service will be held for Dick at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City, Michigan on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM. The family will welcome the public for a period of visitation from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. There will be a luncheon at the Tawas Area Elks Club in Tawas City following the service. In lieu of flowers, please direct any memorial contributions to The Care Team Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. You may leave an online condolence at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.