Deacon JD Daniel "Jason" Dorwart

Deacon JD (Jason) Daniel Dorwart peacefully left this world to be reunited with the love of his life on Nov. 15, 2022, at the age of 93. Born in Lawrence, the family moved to North Platte in 1939 where JD met his beloved Mary and graduated from St. Patrick Catholic School in 1947. He always said that he was a slow learner, graduating a year after Mary. After attending Creighton University for one year, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1949. He was accepted to Officer's Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in March 1955. He served 27 years in the aircraft maintenance field and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in June 1975. JD always said he was most proud of the years he served in the enlisted ranks. JD and Mary (Farrell) were married on Aug. 2, 1952, after he asked her if she liked to "travel" (she did), and they spent 63 wonderful years loving each other and raising their family together. During his military career, JD served from Alaska to South Carolina and many points in between as well as in England and Thailand. After retiring from the Air Force, he enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley where he'd decided to finish his degree. He and his daughter Ann graduated together in 1979, he with a double major in special education and elementary education, and she in nursing. He taught 5th, 6th and 7th grade at Greeley Catholic School until its closing and was also troop leader of Greeley's Boy Scout Troop for special needs Scouts for many years. Born a natural Irish Tenor, JD shared his love for music and singing throughout his life with all who knew him. His signature song was "Danny Boy" and could bring his audience to tears when they heard his beautiful voice. JD entered the St. Thomas Seminary Diaconate program in 1988 and was ordained a Deacon at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Denver, in May 1991. He served Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Estes Park, Colorado, through 2002 when his health demanded he and Mary leave their beloved mountains and move back to Greeley. Mary and JD enjoyed many happy years in their home in Greeley until she passed in December 2015. JD stayed active with the Diaconate community throughout the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Jason and Olive (Elbert) Dorwart; his sisters, Pat Dellenbach and Margaret "Peg" Peetz; his brothers, Clinton Dorwart and Gerald "Jerry" Dorwart; brothers-in-law, Dick Dellenbach and Ken Peetz; sister-in-law, Carol Dorwart; and nephews, Phillip and Daniel Peetz. JD is survived by his children, Thomas Daniel (Annette) Dorwart of Omaha, Jason Edward (Becky) Dorwart of Arvada, Colorado, Ann Farrell Dorwart of Loveland, Colorado, and Mary Denise Dorwart and Patrick Michael Dorwart, both of Greeley, Colorado; grandchildren, Jason, Nick, Geoffrey and Madeline; and his sister-in-law, Faye (Jerry) Dorwart. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in JD's memory to St. Mary Catholic Church, North Platte Catholic Schools or the charity of your choice in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 6521 W. 20th St., Greeley, CO 80634. Online condolences may be shared at AllnuttGreeley.com. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Greeley. Interment is at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2600 6th Ave., Garden City, Colorado. Visitation is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Allnutt Macy Chapel followed by a vigil service at 7 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Ave. Greeley.