Darrell Norvette Dortch, lovingly known to friends and family as, “Mike,” went home to be with the Lord on September 19, 2016 in Claremore, Oklahoma. Darrell was born to Norvette and Izola (James) Dortch on July 5, 1945 in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was the oldest of three brothers; Larry (deceased), Duwayne (deceased) and Jimmy of Lee Summit, Missouri.

Darrell was baptized at an early age as a Roman Catholic. He dutifully served as an alter boy when of age. Darrell later in life professed his faith as a Baptist and was a longtime member of the New Sunny Mount Baptist Church in Saint Louis, Missouri under the leadership of Pastor Donald Hunter. Darrell later embraced the non-denominational movement and became a member of Transformation Christian Church shepherd by Pastor Pricellious Burruss in Saint Louis, Missouri. He remained a faithful and active member there until he relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upon his arrival, Darrell searched to find a congregation that would best meet his spiritual needs. He felt led to join Rhema Bible Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma under the guidance of Kenneth Hagen where he served as a greeter, usher, traffic controller, and choir member. On some Sundays, one may have noticed him serving two or more duties.

After High School graduation, Darrell joined the United States Air Force. He served both Stateside and in Japan as a Morse Code Operator.

Darrell had a strong desire to service and worship. He did not separate the two but equated his service as a part of worship! After leaving Rhema, Darrell settled at Presence Theater Church under the ministry of Pastor Alvin Fruga and his wife Sennola Fruga. His contentment and peace rested with this final ministry.

Among his hobbies, Darrell enjoyed running and conducting model trains in his home and alongside fellow model train enthusiasts. He also loved music! He played saxophone in a rock band while in high school and was a long time member of the Saint Louis County Community Chorus Group. Darrell also sang with the renowned New Sunny Mount Male Chorus and the Rhema Choir.

His other hobbies included writing blogs, newsletters, and short stories. In 2009, Darrell embarked upon his first novel titled, “A Brother Like Me.” Darrell also enjoyed traveling and cruising. A few of his favorite voyages were short trips to the Ozarks, exotic islands, and a magical trip to South Africa in the late 1990’s, courtesy of his daughter Jennifer.

Darrell retired from the United States Bulk Mail Center (Maryland Heights, Missouri) in 2009. He was presented a citizens award by late Missouri Governor John Ashcroft for saving the lives of two teens attempting suicide in 1992.

Those who knew Darrell experienced his wit, charm, and shenanigans! He was always upbeat, pleasant, and an encourager to many. In times of tribulation, Darrell would often say, “Just tie a rope around yourself and hang on.”

He leaves to cherish and remember his life, his wife Almerth Dortch. Four children, Lisa Watkins of Denver, Colorado; Cynthia Dortch Anderson of Denver Colorado; Michelle Lewis of Nashville Tennessee; Jennifer Lewis of Nashville Tennessee; Sister-in-law Kathy (Duwayne) Dortch of Independence, Kansas; grandchildren: Mkalae, Keeley, Essence, Danielle, Elizabeth, Dashona, Christopher, Tiereny, Cameron, and one great-grandchild, Malachi; one Aunt, Dilce Polite of Wichita, Kansas; one nephew Torrance Lyn Thomas (Larry Dortch), and numerous cousins, friends, and special God-given children: Ron (Kimberly) Owens of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Ingrid Owens of Boston, Massachusetts; Steve Parish of Chicago, Illinois; Elfriede (Kurtis) Clanton of Merritts Island, Florida along with special grandchildren: Alexis Owens, Frederick Clanton, Taylor Square, Collin Owens, and Kya Clanton.

Darrell was preceeded in death by his late wife, Grace Lewis Dortch.

For those friends wishing to leave a remembrance of Darrell, please make checks Payable To Oklahoma Veterans Center 3001 W Blue Starr Dr, Claremore,OK 74017 Phone: (918) 342-5432 and please place in memo, for Darrell Dortch Account"

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