Doris A. Lakaner

Doris A. Lakaner, 86, of Bourbon, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Lifecare Center of Sullivan. 

Doris Ann Lakaner was born on November 16, 1937, in Steelville, Missouri, to Albert and Maude (Gensler) Merritt. Doris grew up and attended gradeschool in her hometown of Steelville.

In 1954, Doris was united in marriage to Charles Martin. Together they welcomed four children into the world: Randy, Roger, Ronald, and Tammy. The family made their home in Bourbon, Missouri. Sadly, Charles passed away in 1979. Doris continued to work full-time, ensuring her family's needs were met with the same love and dedication she had always shown.

Doris was employed at the Paramount Cap Factory, dedicated over a decade of service to Proctor Shoe, worked nearly ten years at B & K Factory, and eventually as a retail clerk at Dollar General in Cuba. 

In 1986, Doris was united in marriage to Ed Lakaner. Together, they blended their families, and Doris gained a son, John. Bourbon became their final home, where they built a life filled many treasured memories.

Doris enjoyed traveling to various destinations across the US. She especially enjoyed traveling alongeside her mother and sisters.  Colorado, Florida, and Mackinac Island were among some of her most favorite desinations. Doris enjoyed taking photos and often would capture the beauty of various flowers while on her travel adventures. 

Doris’ faith was something she held dear to her heart. She and Ed attended the First Assembly of God Church in Bourbon together for several years.

Doris was a great cook and a fan of Marty Robbins' classic tunes. Her love for Monte Carlo cars was well-known and she never turned down chicken strips, ice cream, coke or Tootsie Pops.

Above all, Doris treasured the time she spent with her family, particularly her grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an adoring grandmother. She will forever be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

She is survived by her five loving children: Randy Martin and wife Sherri of Bourbon, MO, Roger Martin of Bourbon, MO, Ronald Martin and wife Linda of Cuba, MO, Tammy Nissen and husband Travis of Cuba, MO, and John Lakaner and wife Marilyn of Steelville, MO; 12 grandchildren; 24 great – grandchildren; one great – great grandchild; a brother, Ron Merritt and significant other, Sue Jost of Cherryville, MO; two sisters, Helen Eoff and husband Leroy of Bourbon, MO, and Alice Valley of Bourbon, MO; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Martin; second husband, Ed Lakaner; two brothers, Wilbur “Buddy” Merritt and an infant brother; and a sister, Loretta Miller. 

Funeral services will be 12 PM, Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan with Pastor Harold Harrison officiating. Interment will follow at Bourbon Cemetery.  

Visitation will be 10 AM – 12 PM, Friday, June 7, 2024, at Eaton Funeral Home prior to the funeral service. 

Friends may send their online condolences to Doris’ family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com 

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.