Samuel Edward "Sammy" Dorsey

1947 - 2023

Samuel "Sammy" Edward

Dorsey

January 16, 1947

May 9, 2023

Samuel Edward Dorsey (Sammy) was born January 16, 1947 in Sioux City, Iowa to Samuel Harold Dorsey and Dolores Milkwick Dorsey. Their family included two sisters, Carol and Patricia.

Born deaf, Sammy first learned sign language from his older sister Carol, who was his close daily companion in his early years. He attended the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Gallaudet University in Washington DC.

Sammy was adventuresome and loved to travel, visiting all lower 48 states, many with his dear friend Leona Brengard. He also traveled throughout Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, and Russia.

Sammy was an accomplished chess player. He played in Moscow in the 1970s against some of Russia's best players. His deafness was never a barrier because the international rules of chess created a level playing field.

Sammy's 1991 trip to the Middle East deepened his Christian faith. In Egypt he climbed close to the top of a pyramid, only to realize that climbing wasn't allowed! He always regretted not having a picture to share of this exciting moment.

Sammy was a talented artist and enjoyed painting Civil War subject matter. Several of his paintings are housed in museums in Missouri.

Sammy was employed in the custodial department at Missouri State University for 19 years, retiring in 2002. He taught sign language at MSU for ten years in the Speech and Hearing Department. Sammy and Leona enjoyed annual season tickets and were two of MSU Lady Bear's 's biggest fans!

Sammy and his niece Dolly Murray remained close through correspondence and visits, enjoying ease of communication via sign language. His friendship with Anna Lee Datema, his interpreter for 35 years and later his caregiver, was also very important to him.

Sammy was preceded in death by his parents Samuel Harold Dorsey and Dolores Milkwick Dorsey; sister Patricia Gwen Dorsey Tuttle and her husband Marvin Tuttle; and special friends Leona Brengard, and Tim Jackson.

Those surviving are his sister Carol Lynne Dorsey Senty, her husband Roger Senty, and their two daughters Lynne and Kristin; sister Patricia's seven children Marvin Jr., Patrick, Eric, Dolly, Maureen, Cathy, and Michael; and special friend and interpreter Anna Lee Datema and family.

Sammy passed away at home on May 9, 2023. His cremains will be interred between his parents in Moro Cemetery, Moro, Illinois.