John Ezra Dorsett Iii

John Ezra Dorsett III, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis from the Coronavirus. He was 79 years old.

John was the second son of three boys born to John E, Jr. and Dorothy (Smith) Dorsett. His dad was a ranch hand for Guin Liggett Ranch in the Flint Hills. After moving to Derby, where John graduated in 1959, he was helping with harvest in Douglass where he met the love of his life Patsy McNown and they were married 59 years.

John retired from USD 259 School Service Center in 2000 after 38 years. The family made their home in Newton in 2003. John enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends for many years. He loved being on the Walnut River with his fishing buddies.

John is survived by his wife, Pat; three sons, John E. IV (Lynnette), Patrick, and Thomas (Kris), three grandsons, John E. V, Maxwell, Chance, step grandson Ryan Hladik (Meredith) and step great-grandson Nolan Hladik, and also a “special son” Richard (Jennifer) Snodgrass.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Cherri (Patrick) Dorsett; brothers, Clarence and Richard.

A Memorial Service will be held August 7, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at the Eureka City Cemetery in Eureka, Kansas.

The family suggest memorials to Salem United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Petersen Funeral Home.