J.W. Dortch

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

J.W. Dortch, 88, passed away in August 2010 in St. Louis, Mo. He was the son of the late Ira Lee Dortch and the late Beatrice Stella Gossett Dortch, residents of Leachville from 1918 til 1983 and 1985, the dates of their death. He was born Dec. 12, 1921 in Leachville. He was a 1941 graduate of Leachville High School. In 1943 he joined the Army during World War II. He returned briefly in 1945 and then moved with his wife, Elizabeth, to St. Louis where he lived until his death. He was a professional power boat racer, racing class 3 boats and won many awards and races in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. He was president of the National Class 3 Racing Association for many years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth; a sister, Ima Jean (Dortch) McCullough of Blytheville; and a brother, LeRoy (Pete) Dortch of Leachville.

He leaves one son, John William Dortch, and wife of St. Louis; one daughter, Tanya Sue Dortch, also of St. Louis; one brother, Calvin Dortch of St. Louis; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren, all of St. Louis; many nephews and nieces.