Jules James Dorris

Jules (Bevo) Dorris of Carmel, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, in Carmel. Jules was born May 28,1935, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Alvin W. Dorris and Mary Ellen (Joyce) Dorris. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Judy (Connors) Dorris. Jules was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Jules and his family lived in Omaha and Madison, Wisconsin, before settling in Valparaiso, Indiana. As a young boy, Jules and his older brother, Al, spent the summers in Saint Louis, Missouri, with his paternal grandparents. During this time, he was given the nickname “Bevo” because his “chore” was to bring his grandfather a bucket of Bevo beer from the neighborhood brewery. Jules graduated from Valparaiso High School and attended Indiana University. In 1957, he was drafted into the Army where he initially served as a surgical assistant. Because of his outgoing personality and ability to speak German he was given the responsibility of managing off-base housing for Army officers near his base in Germany. After returning to Valparaiso, he met his future wife, Judy Connors, and became engaged to be married. A few weeks before their wedding, he was recalled into the Army to help plan for the evacuation of officer families from Europe. Upon his discharge, he and Judy were married November 24, 1962. Jules and Judy owned and operated Allens Bakery in Valparaiso and South Haven, Indiana, until the bakeries were sold. Thereafter he held corporate positions in the food and beverage industry until he started a commodities brokerage company with offices in Chicago, Illinois. During his time in Valparaiso, he was active in social and philanthropic organizations and was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his wife and her dedication to public service as a Valparaiso City Councilor and with various city boards and organizations. While he and Judy loved their friends and family in Valparaiso, in 2005 they moved to Carmel, Indiana to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Jules was known for his outgoing personality, contagious laugh, and irreverent humor. He loved to play golf and was happiest when he was surrounded by the people he loved. He is survived by his sister, Susie Gothard (Jim), daughters Nancy Sweet (Jeff), Lindy Richman (Mike) and Sharon Knapp (Andy), and his beloved grandchildren Andy and Katie Sweet, Will and Abbey Richman and Sam and Jack Knapp, along by numerous nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. Visitation will be held February 26th, at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, Carmel, 3:30-5pm, with a funeral Mass beginning at 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Helping Veterans and Families (HVAF) of Indiana, https://www.hvafofindiana.org/donate/.