David William Dorsey's Obituary
David William Dorsey, age 70, of Fayetteville, AR, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
David was born on September 16, 1955, in Redfield, South Dakota. He was a complete original and brilliantly funny, always making humorous comments out of the blue based on his imaginative, other-world thinking. An avid and highly skilled golfer, he excelled at the sport in high school and at the University of South Dakota, where he led the Coyotes to multiple victories and won several tournaments as an individual.
After graduating from USD, he received his master’s degree in political science at Arizona State University and later became an elementary school teacher in Arizona and Kansas. He coached golf, basketball and other sports, leading the Anderson County (KS) High School boys’ golf team to back-to-back state tournaments in the 2000s.
Deeply creative and artistic, David loved books, films and music as well as writing stories and screenplays. He was also passionate about this country and his advocacy work in educational freedom, fearless in conflict because of his sharp logic and deep belief in what he knew to be right. Yet, fervent supporter of his causes though he could be, at home David was a loving, gentle and caring husband, father and cat dad.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Bradley Dorsey; his son, Patrick Dorsey; his sister, Paula; brothers Stuart and Joel, and his cats, Mackie and Silver. He has four nephews on his side of the family, Mark, Steve, Richard and Dale, and six nieces, Dianna, Rachel, Jacqui, Heidi, Jacklynn and Annie, as well as six great nephews and nine great nieces. On his wife’s side of the family he has two nephews, Johnny Jr. and Jason, and one niece, RaeAnn, along with seven great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Wilda, brother Jon and sister Pamela. His many beloved departed cats include Mabel, Harpo, Noodles, Moon, Halfmoon and Sysko.
Cremation arrangements are by Nelson Berna Funeral Home. A private memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 17. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, the ASPCA or the Washington Regional Medical Foundation.
I will choose a path that’s clear; I will choose freewill.
—Rush, Freewill
Neil Peart, lyricist
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?