Simon M. Dorman eased into eternity on Friday, January 10, 2014. His 94 years comprised a rich and full life. Born in Indianapolis to Dora and David Dorman, he grew up and spent his life in Noblesville.
He was proceeded in dearth by his older siblings Bill Dorman, Marie Pettyjohn and Sylvia Baker. A devoted family man, he was married to the former Eleanor Haas for over 68 years who likewise proceeded him in death. They were the parents of three sons who mourn his passing and celebrate his life: Peter and wife Audrey of Forest, Virginia and their three children Evan, Zoey and Tate; Bob and wife Donna of Indianapolis who served as Sime and Ellie’s assistants and caregivers; and Duane of Tucson, Arizona and his children Molly and husband Zach and Sam.
He was a member of the Greatest Generation, a decorated World War II veteran having served in the Armn Air Corps over North Africa and Italy. He was the owner of Dorman’s Paint and Wallpaper, a fixture on 9th street in Noblesville for over a half century. Active in community affairs, he was a member and president of the Noblesville School Board and a member of the Noblesville Planning Commission. He shot pool at the Elks Club over lunch and took his family to dinner there before every Friday night NHS home football game.
He and Ellie spent their summers in northern Michigan for 80-odd years. They were world travelers too having taken treks to Europe, Russia, the Holy Land, the Caribbean, and Alaska. He was an avid photographer if not always the most accomplished one. The same could be said of his golf game. He was also an inveterate tinkerer, a bizzler as his middle son named him, always with a project in hand or in mind. Amazingly handy, he fixed, repaired, designed, and implemented home improvement projects his whole life. He had the soul of an artist.
A memorial celebration of his life will be held at Lutz’s restaurant in Noblesville on Saturday, January 18 from 2:30pm-5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, The National Humane Society, or a local animal shelter.