William Newton "Bill" Dorsett

A Memorial service for William Newton (Bill) Dorsett, 88, long time resident of Marshall, will be at Faith Bible Church on June 3, 2008, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Stephen Whitmire officiating. Visitation with family will follow at the church immediately after the service. Mr. Dorsett died May 31, 2008, at home. Bill was born July 19, 1919, in Dallas, to Dr. Theo Dorsett, MD and Lona Bryan Dorsett. He moved to Marshall when he was 5 years old. He attended Marshall Public Schools and was of the class of 1936. He earned a two-year diploma from the College of Marshall, and a BS degree from North Texas University in 1940. His college years were interrupted when in 1941 he was enlisted in the first draft to serve his country in WWII. He subsequently transferred to the US Army Air Force and received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant, serving three years overseas as a navigator with the 397th Bomber Unit of the 8th Air Force and was Honorably Discharged in 1946. He returned home and continued his college education receiving a LLB & Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas in 1948. After serving his country in the Air Force and receiving his law degree from the University of Texas, he was employed in the Land Department of Humble Oil Company from 1948-1953, after which he moved permanently to Marshall and became an independent Oil and Gas Operator and practicing attorney until retirement in 1985. In 1953 he was married to Elmagene (Gigi) Walker who survives him and born to them were two sons, Newton Walker Dorsett and Sam William Dorsett, deceased. His religious, civic & social interests were known by his Faith Bible Church affiliation, Past Commander of Marshall American Legion, Past President of Marshall Corral Club, Past Cub Master of Pact 309 and Adult leader of Troup 239 of Boy Scouts of America; past member of Marshall Rotary Club, ATO Social Fraternity, 32 degree Mason & Shriner, Member of the American Bar Association, Ex-Student Association of the University of Texas. Other interests were his farm, ranching, cattle and football. Bill was one of those among who are called "the Greatest Generation" who in war and peace served and loved God, his family, home, and country. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Theo Dorsett MD and Lona Bryan Dorsett, one brother, Ivan Dorsett, all of Atlanta, Texas; and one sister, Helen Dorsett Bowden, and son, Sam Will Dorsett, Marshall. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elmagene (Gigi) Dorsett; a son, Newton Walker Dorsett of Shreveport, La., daughter-in-law, Melinda Black Dorsett; and four granddaughters, Hannah, Helen, Hope and Holly Dorsett, the loves of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the church or charity of choice or to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, Texas 75701. Downs Funeral Home