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David Dorsey Obituary
David Alden Dorsey, 64, of Myerstown, died Thursday, January 2, 2014 at his residence.
He was the husband of Janet L. (Prosser) Dorsey, to whom he was married 41 years on June 24th. Born in
Charleston, West Virginia, on July 17, 1949, he was the son of the late Alden J. and Opal P. (Cottle) Dorsey.
David earned a B.A. at Northeastern Bible College, an MA at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Ph.D. at Dropsie University. David also studied and
traveled extensively in
Israel, where his first son was born.
David taught Old Testament at Evangelical Seminary in Myerstown for 34 years, from 1979 until retiring in 2013, as Distinguished Professor of Old Testament. David authored two books and multiple articles about the Bible, and was a beloved professor to several
generations of students.
He was a member of Calvary Church, Lebanon.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Sarah, wife of Phillip Bollinger, of Myerstown; sons Jonathan, husband of Melissa Dorsey, of Lebanon and Benjamin, husband of Marie Dorsey, of Pine Grove; grandchildren Kiera, Jacob, Evangeline, Alissa, and Adam Dorsey; a brother,
Stephen, husband of Roni Dorsey, of Oakland, NJ, and many nieces and nephews.
David was deeply loved and treasured by his family and friends, and he will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2014 from the Dech Memorial Chapel at Evangelical Seminary, Myerstown. A viewing will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Evangelical Seminary, 121 S. College St., Myerstown, PA 17067, or Practical Compassion, Inc., PO Box 1193, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Grose Funeral Home, Myerstown, is entrusted with the arrangements. www.grosefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Dorsey
Rev. Dennis Frantz
April 3, 2014
Dear family. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
I met Dr. Dave on a September evening in 1998, as I sat in my first ever class at Evangelical School of Theology [as it was known then]. He became over the years, a peerless guide to scholarship, a trusted adviser, and faithful friend. It took me five years to complete my MAR degree part time, and Dave supplied the support I needed.
His warmth and calm style carried so many of us students forward into a deep love of scholarship and the Old Testament. He told my beginning Hebrew class: "I don't intend to turn you into a complete Hebrew scholar, but I do intend to lead you to a deep love for the Hebrew language, and the understanding of Scripture that can only come from reading scripture in its own language.
We Will Miss You Dave!
Scott Malyszka
January 16, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the Dorsey family. Dave was fierce, honest, encouraging, and kind toward me in so many ways. Few have seen me fall apart like he had. Dave was a true friend and hero in my younger days. Thanks Dave!
Tony Troussov
January 13, 2014
How sad it is to hear this... I had an honor to be a student of Dr. Dorsey when I was at Evangelical Seminary back in 1995-97. There were few people I heard teach OT the David did. What a huge loss it is to the Christian community. Our thoughts are with the family.
Marge Kopf-Olsen
January 11, 2014
Dear Jan don't know if you remember me from Northeastern but I wanted to tell you , you are in my prayers. My daughter in law, Aubrey Morris, was at Evangelical til 2011 and said that Dave was one of her favorite professors. Again know you are in our prayers.
Dave Rupprecht
January 10, 2014
The two things that stand out in my mind about my old friend Dave are riding next to him on a bus from the Dead Sea back to our hotel and watching him turn white as the salt from the Dead Sea dried on him, and while I was struggling with second year Greek in summer school, Dave was taking both second year Greek and Hebrew and working a 40 hour week. A brilliant mind and a Godly and wonderful person.
David Battle
January 8, 2014
Dr. Dorsey lead me into a deeper awe of God and His Righteousness. I wish I could come and express my great appreciation for having known "DAD".
Society of Biblical Literature
January 8, 2014
The Society of Biblical Literature would like to offer our deepest sympathies on the passing of David Dorsey. He was a respected member of the Society.
January 8, 2014
Jan
I was an old high school classmate of Dave's from Passaic Valley H.S. He introduced me Madison Avenue Baptist Church, where I still attend faithfully. He was a great influence in my life and I will miss him. He always stood up for Jesus, and his testimony helped many of us as teenagers to come to know the Lord. My family will be praying for you at this special time. Joe and Sandy Pardine
Linda Easter
January 7, 2014
Jan: Dave was such an influence in my life. He encouraged and allowed me to audit courses with my husband, Harold, and even though he was so brilliant, he made me feel smart rather than dumb. He helped me to see my academic abilities and that encouraged me to go to college, get my B.S. and M.A.. He is probably the main reason that I went on to achieve those degrees and to be the counselor that I am now. I could never express my appreciation of Dave, the precious gifts I received from him as a student. He will be so very much missed. I pray that God will bless you and all family members with His Presence as you go through the mourning process for your wonderful husband. He was such a great man. Linda Easter
Jessica Sonnier
January 7, 2014
I only met Dave one time in my life but he left an impression on me from the start. I instantly liked him and found him to be one of the most fascinating people I have met. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Steve Ulrich
January 7, 2014
My deepest condolences to the whole Dorsey family. I took his Hebrew classes in the early 1990s and really appreciated his patience and approach to teaching. He was a great teacher.
Don Gregg
January 7, 2014
Jan & family; Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. With Love; Don & Sandra Gregg
Chuck Castle
January 6, 2014
Dear Jan, I was so sorry to hear of David's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. David will be greatly missed. I will cherish the memories of you and David at the farm.
Russell H. Bentz
January 6, 2014
Jan and Dorsey family ... Dave stood alone in his class room presentations (I'll never forget his teaching on the Psalms). One thing that stood out was his love of the Lord. It was a privilege for me to study under him and as a result came to love the OT because of him. His understanding of the scriptures, his humor and his love for the ETS students, my studies at the seminary will never be forgotten. Thanks Dave for imparting your wisdom to us.
Gary Smith
January 5, 2014
David opened the OT to me and many in new and exciting ways. His passion for teaching God's word served as an example for all his students.
David Robinson
January 5, 2014
My deepest sympathies to you all. Dave was one of a handful of men I deeply respected. He taught me much, not just about the O.T. during my studies at ETS, but about humility and character. He will be deeply missed. I look forward to seeing him again one day...
Chuck and Tammy Frank
January 5, 2014
Prayers to all the family and ETS family as well. I went looking for a copy of his first book that he signed for Tammy and I. At the end of his personal note, he referenced Ephesians 5: 1-2. I had forgotten that . . . but shouldn't have been surprised, since in my mind he truly did model Christ . . . and left a legacy for the Lord!
Don & Karen McNutt
January 5, 2014
Dear Jan and family, It's hard to believe that Dave is gone and our hearts go out to you all who were so close to him. He has blessed many, many people with the "gifts" that God blessed him with. His unique teaching technique flavored with his great sense of humor always reaped good results! We will never forget the wonderful years we worshiped together with all of you. May God comfort you as only He can! Love,
Adam Leeper
January 5, 2014
Thanks for being my teacher, my friend, my mentor, and showing the meaning of ????? in all walks of life. Blessings to Jan, Benjamin, Sarah, and Jonathan.
January 5, 2014
A gracious man of God who brought the Old Testament alive with his teaching. Sending love to the family.
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