Kenneth Stark Dortch's Obituary
Kenneth Stark Dortch, loving husband, father, and grandfather, went into the presence of Jesus on September 17 due to late stages of Alzheimer’s. His death in no way defined his extraordinary life. Character, integrity, kindness, loyalty and a strong faith were hallmarks of Ken throughout his entire life. Ken was born on April 10, 1933, to Havis and Nell Dortch in Corsicana, Texas. A child of the Great Depression, Ken learned early the value of hard work and sacrifice while steadfastly maintaining an optimistic outlook.
Ken graduated from North Dallas High School in 1951 and proceeded to receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration at The University of North Texas in 1955. He became a CPA with Arthur Young and Company and worked there as an audit manager for 18 years. He then transitioned to private accounting at The Bonneau Company where he served as CFO before becoming Vice-President. Ken devoted 25 years to a Christian-based company he loved filled with the people and an atmosphere he thoroughly enjoyed.
Ken met the love of his life, Susan Harper, and they married on June 27, 1964 in Dallas and enjoyed 56 wonderful years together. They were blessed with two children, Steven Craig and Kerri Lynn. Ken was a loving husband and father, sharing his family’s interests by listening and providing strong and gentle guidance. Ken was an active participant in all his children’s activities from coaching soccer and basketball teams to chaperoning high school marching band games and trips. He was affectionately called “Dad” by many children not his own, and he was loved and adored by so many. Ken was quick to laugh and is known for his light-hearted and agreeable nature, warm hugs and sweet smile.
Having grown up in a church where he gained a firm knowledge of the Lord, Ken’s strong faith in the Lord Jesus then grew through the encouragement and mentorship of godly men at Fellowship Bible Church in Dallas. Ken and Susan later became active members at Prestonwood Baptist Church where they served in many capacities. Ken’s final church home was Plano Bible Chapel.
Ken and Susan loved attending sporting events together. From attending sporting events at Pearce High School to having season tickets to SMU basketball and to Dallas Cowboys games, Ken could always be found enjoying the stats and highlights of his favorite teams.
Ken and Susan were blessed with six grandchildren, and these children became the love of their lives. Each of Ken’s grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papa, described him as one of the most loving, kind, gentle and encouraging men they have ever known. He was loved and adored by all his family.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Havis and Nell Dortch, his brother Wayne Dortch, and his sister Dorothy Faye Garland. Ken is survived by his wife Susan; his son Steve and wife Tamara; his daughter Kerri Keith and husband Scott; his six grandchildren: Kameryn Dortch, Madison Dortch, Jackson Keith, Tyler Dortch, Braden Keith, and Katelyn Keith; and many loved nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside service will be held at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery on Friday, September 25. A celebration of his life will be held at Plano Bible Chapel on Saturday, September 26, at 2:00. In support of the health of his family and friends, face coverings are mandatory while attending the service. For any who are unable to attend the celebration, the service will be live streamed at the Plano Bible Chapel Facebook page, accessible at and after the service time at www.facebook.com/planobiblechapel. In Ken’s memory, donations may be made to Weave (a ministry which empowers children to find their role in God’s global story) online at weavefamily.org/give or by check payable to Weave: P.O. Box 3556, Fayetteville, AR 72702.
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kenneth?
Share a story where Kenneth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kenneth you’ll never forget.
How did Kenneth make you smile?