William Dortch

William Dortch, 72, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at his home. He was born February 28, 1939 in Thomasville, AL, the son of J.C. and Flossie Nobles Dickinson.

William was an Army veteran, with his career spanning from 1960 to 1990, and served in the Vietnam War. He received the Purple Heart among other awards. He was a member of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church and a former member of Midwest ELKS Lodge No. 1441.

William married Angela Marie Bennett on May 7, 1994. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Sonja Evans of Thomasville, AL, Alexis Dortch of Atlanta, GA, Shavonne Bennett of Topeka, two sons, A.C. Green of Thomasville, AL, Perry Taylor of Morvin, AL, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his siblings, George Dickinson, Claude Dickinson, Cleveland Dickinson and Joe Paul Dickinson all of Thomasville, AL, Milton Dickinson of Detroit, MI, Charles Williams of Atlanta, GA, Doretha Clarke of Chicago, IL and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Willliam was preceded in death by his sister, Pauline King.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery where full Military Honors will be conducted by a Burial Detail from Fort Riley, KS. William will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.