PRICE- Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and longtime friend to many, J. Eldon Dorman, M.D., age 90, passed away March 22, 2000 at his home.
He was born December 16, 1909 in Wray, Colorado to Arkley M. and Lily Bird Lapham Dorman. Married Maurine Peacock July 29, 1943 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He attended Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, and later received his M.D. degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1936.After graduation he began his general practice in the coal mining camps of Carbon County, Utah, where he was fondly known as "Little Mr. Doc."
Later returned to complete his postgraduate studies at University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Medicine for two years and one year in Washington, D.C.
J. Eldon Dorman, M.D., returned to Carbon County in 1941 and began his practice of Opthalmology, which touched the lives of many during his 50 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the American Medical Assoc. and the American Assoc. of Opthalmology. Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners. President Carbon County Medical Society and Chief of Staff for the Carbon Hospital. Member, Council Utah State Medical Society. One of the founders of the College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum, where he was Curator of Archaeology and also served on the Board of Trustees for the College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum for 30 years. Honorary Life Member Utah State Medical Society, Utah Opthalmological Society, Utah State Historical Society and Utah Statewide Archaeological Society. Member Board of Utah State History, Governor's Cultural & Historic Sites Review Committee and the Antiquities Committee for the Utah State Historical Society. Member Rock Art and Australian Rock Art Research Associations.
J. Eldon Dorman was awarded the Board of Governors Award from the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce, College of Eastern Utah Integra Award, Appreciation Award, from the Hellenic Orthodox Church of Price, and served as Grand Marshall of the International Days Parade in Price.
He received the A.H. Robbins Community Service Award from the Utah State Medical Assoc., Honorary Degree from the College of Eastern Utah, Southern Utah Honors, from Southern Utah University, Price City Certificate of Recognition and Thanks, Antiquities Award from the Utah State Historical Society, Man of the Year from the Price Soroptimists, and Certificate of Commendation American Assoc. of State and Local Governments.
Awarded the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Community Service Award. He also received his Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Degree and Eagle Award from the College of Eastern Utah, Carbon County Medical Society Award "Dedicated to a Lifetime of Service to the Community," and the Total Citizen Award from Carbon County and the State of Utah Chambers of Commerce.
Member Joppa Lodge #26 F&A.M., York Rite, Eastern Utah Shrine Club and the El Kalah Shrine.
During World War II, he was commander of the Price Flight, Utah Wing of the Civil Air Patrol and also served as president of the Price National League Western Boys Baseball Assoc. He compiled the book, "Archaeology of Eastern Utah" which was published by the College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum. Published "Confessions of a Coal Camp Doctor," "Reminiscences of a Coal Camp Doctor," and the "Prehistoric Rock Art of the San Rafael Swell" which was presented at the Australian Rock Art Association meeting in Darwin, Australia.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Maurine Dorman, Price; two sons, two daughters and their spouses: Jaime (Linda) Dorman, Poway, CA; Dory Dorman, Anchorage, AK; Marcia (Pat) Gallagher, Littleton, CO; Kathy (Brent) Owens, Layton, UT; brother, Claude Dorman, Visalia, CA; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends who adored their "Uncle Eldon" and some who adopted him as Grandpa. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter; three brothers: Myron, LaVerne and Earl.
Memorial service Saturday, April 1, 2000, 11 a.m. at the Geary Theatre, located on the campus of the College of Eastern Utah. Family will be at the Geary Theatre one hour prior to services. Under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home of Price, Utah.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to J. Eldon Dorman Research Library/College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum or the Helper Mining Museum.