Anthony J. "Tony" Doren

Anthony "Tony" Doren Lakeland - Anthony "Tony" J. Doren, a resident of Lakeland, died of heart failure, November 9, 2006 at the age of 72. Born March 10, 1934 in Glen Lyon, PA, he graduated from Newport Township High School, Wanamie, PA where he was active in sports and student activities. Mr. Doren attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. He was a member of the academy football and boxing teams and was the regimental middleweight boxing champion. He resigned from the academy to enlist in the Air Force Aviation cadet program during the Korean War. A highly decorated career Air Force officer, he served in various operational, engineering, staff and command assignments. During his career, he piloted a variety of fighter, bomber and support aircraft. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was awarded Bachelor and Master Degrees in Engineering. Mr. Doren was a graduate of the Air War College. Among his awards and decorations are the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and ten Air Medals. He retired from active duty in 1980. He married the former Kay Freer in Lakeland, FL on August 6, 1956. The family lived in many states and overseas during Mr. Doren's military career. Following his military career, Mr. Doren was appointed Commissioner of Aviation and later Commissioner of Public Works for Oneida County, NY. He retired from County service in 1990. He also served as a substitute teacher in the Polk County school system. Mr. Doren took pleasure in sports, especially long distance running. Over a 27 year period, he logged over 45,000 miles and participated in numerous races in many states. He authored many professional papers and recently completed a journal of his family's history and a history of Glen Lyon, PA, his hometown. A skilled wood carver, he was particularly noted for his duck decoys. He is survived by his wife, Kay, Lakeland; a son, Dale Doren and a daughter, Dr. Bonnie Doren, Eugene, OR. A son, Lee Doren preceded him in death and is buried in Paris, France. Heath Funeral Chapel www.heathfuneralchapel.com