ELKHART -- George Arthur Doland, 82, of Brightwood Boulevard, died at 3:20 p.m. Sunday (June 1, 2008) in Golden Living Center.

He was born Oct. 19, 1925, in Newton County to George and Elizabeth (Bachelder) Doland. On Sept. 26, 1979, he married Marilyn M. (Davis) Dickerhoff in Elkhart.

She survives along with one son, Timothy A. Doland of Elkhart; one stepson, Craig (Margaret) Dickerhoff of Fayetteville, N.C.; two stepdaughters, Linda (John) Ring of Fort Worth, Texas, and Beth (Jerry) Swinehart; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ernest "Buzz" and A. Burdette Doland; and his first wife, Helen.

Mr. Doland worked at Elkhart General Hospital for more than 18 years in the engineering department and retired in the late 1980s. Along with his wife, he owned Crafts in the Dust, which featured hand-crafted wooden figures.

He was a lifetime Mason with a local membership dating back 50 years and a member of Elkhart Kane Lodge 183, South Bend Masonic Temple, Fort Wayne Mizpah Shrine, Past Commanders Association and Past Masters Association. Mr. Doland was a past illustrious master and past high priest of the York Rite of Elkhart. He was integral in the acquisition of the new Kane Lodge on Industrial Drive.

Mr. Doland loved to shop, travel and feed the birds with his wife.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Kane Lodge 183 will perform a Masonic service at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Friends also may call one hour prior to Thursday's 11 a.m. funeral service at the funeral home. Pastor Jeff Estep of First Brethren Church, Elkhart, will officiate. Entombment will follow in Chapel of Peace Mausoleum, Rice Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Shriner's Hospital of the donor's choice. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.