Funeral services for Dortis Raymond Carmichael, 88, of Crescent, will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2008, at Crescent Assembly of God with Pastor James Baldridge and Pastor Jerry Rice officiating.
Interment will be in Oakland Knowles Cemetery, Crescent, under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Guthrie.
Mr. Dortis was born in Tonkawa, Oklahoma February 21, 1920, to Marcus Edward and Margaret Ann {Thum} Carmichael. He passed away at Golden Age Nursing Home in Guthrie on Tuesday, October 28, 2008.
He graduated from Crescent High School in 1939. Dortis was active in all sports, but excelled in football. He was team captain and played the position of fullback for the Crescent Tigers. Dort was the first player from Crescent to make All-State two years in a row, 1938 and 1939. He was offered several scholarships, including one to OU, but he wanted to play one year of football for Northern Junior College, Tonkawa.
On March 19, 1942, Dort enlisted in the Navy. He served as a Machinists Mate Second Class {CB} during World War II. He received an honorable discharge on November 10, 1945.
Dort worked as a butcher for many years and also served on the volunteer fire department in Crescent. He was fire chief when he retired from the fire department after 20 years of service. He also initiated fire training for the volunteer fire department through OSU, then known as Oklahoma A&M. While serving as fire chief, he and his brother, Elmer, were trying to come up with a way to raise money for the fire department. They came up with the idea of having a bean supper, which proved to be a very successful fundraiser for the department. It is still going strong to this day after more than 60 years.
On December 11, 1954, Dort married Edna Jean Steen in Guthrie, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on August 6, 2001.
In November 1967, he bought and opened his own little grocery store, Dort's Grocery, which he operated with his wife and daughters for more than eight years. He was well known for telling jokes to anyone and everyone he met, because he said he enjoyed making people smile.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother and will be greatly missed.
Dort was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jim and Bobby; and his wife, Edna.
He is survived by three daughters, Rajeanna Dixon and husband William of Kingfisher; Ronda Hermanski and husband Tom of Enid; and Renea Lindley and husband Steve of Piedmont. Dort is also survived by a granddaughter, Haley King and husband Joe of Oklahoma City. He also is survived by one brother, Elmer Carmichael and wife Bette of Crescent, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name be made to the Enid SPCA, 1116 Overland Trail, Enid, OK 73703, through whom he adopted his two little dogs who meant the world to him; Companion Hospice of Guthrie who provided care for dad these past several months, 1314 East Oklahoma, Guthrie, OK 73044; or St. Jude Children's Hospital which was one of his favorite charities, Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.
The family extends a special thank you to Amy Etheridge, Gene Owen and staff of Companion Hospice and also to the entire staff at Golden Age Nursing Home for the wonderful care and compassion they showed Dad during his care.
Viewing will be 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. today for family and friends.
Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at CommunityFH.
