David C. Dorries

David Caldwell Dorries passed away peacefully on March 16th, 2026, just two days shy of his 96th birthday. Born on March 18th, 1930, in Billerica, Massachusetts, David’s early years were shaped by the challenges of the Great Depression and the strength of his mother, Nellie Caldwell Damon, who raised him and his siblings in Montpelier, Vermont after his parents’ divorce. From a young age, David showed resilience and responsibility, beginning work at the age of ten on a dairy farm, milking cows to support his family.

Following his childhood in Vermont, David answered the call of duty by joining the newly formed United States Air Force in 1948. His 20-year military career was both distinguished and filled with significant service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Notably, he was among the first Minutemen missile men, demonstrating his role at the forefront of Cold War defense technology. David retired from active duty at Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1968 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and honor.

After his military retirement, David pursued his passion for education and accounting by earning a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Texas at Arlington in 1971 and later a Master’s degree from the University of North Texas in 1981. He also became a certified CPA, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. David’s love for teaching led him back to academia as a part-time professor at UTA shortly after graduation. By 1974, he was imparting knowledge as an Economics and Accounting professor at Tarrant County College’s Northeast Campus, where he dedicated himself to educating students until retiring in 2011 at the remarkable age of 81.

David’s personal life was equally rich and fulfilling. He married the love of his life, Joyce, on August 10th, 1951, after a serendipitous meeting at Barton Springs in Austin, Texas, where they first crossed paths while he was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base, and she worked at the DMV. Together, they raised three daughters: Vicki L. Findel, who resides with her husband Ulrich in Aitrang, Germany; Carrie L. Dorries of Fort Worth; and Amy L. Bogen, along with her husband Don, both living in Arlington. David was also a proud grandfather to Owen Sellwood and his wife Miranda, Douglas Holleman III and his wife Jena, Eloise Dorries Copp and her husband Charley, as well as Sebastian David Findel. The family was further blessed with great-grandchildren Landen Godsey, Gracelynn Sellwood, and Ransom Holleman, who holds the special distinction of being born on David’s own birthday.

A man of vibrant interests, David thoroughly enjoyed traveling the world and was a dedicated fan of horse races, University of Texas football, the Dallas Cowboys, and the excitement of March Madness basketball tournaments. His leisure time was often spent engaging with his favorite TV program, M*A*S*H, history documentaries, and shows on KERA. Inspired by his mother, an accomplished pianist, David’s love of music remained steadfast throughout his life, often attending symphony orchestras at Bass Hall and musicals at various theaters. His musical tastes included cherished bands such as The Mamas and the Papas and Peter, Paul and Mary.

David’s nurturing spirit was evident in his fondness for gardening alongside his children during their youth and cooking delectable breads and meals. In his later years, he delighted in preparing pancakes and waffles with maple syrup for his grandchildren. As a devoted member of the ELCA Lutheran Church, he enjoyed his weekly attendance so much he would thoughtfully count the congregants, a charming nod to his accountant’s heart. Throughout his life, David was a loving caretaker of many pets—mostly dogs and a few cats—and in his final years, he became passionate about monarch butterfly conservation.

Those who knew David remember him as a generous and dependable man, someone you could always count on during life’s hardships. His sharp wit and playful humor often brought joy and laughter to family gatherings, and his remarkable memory allowed him to tell captivating stories that spanned his lifetime. A beloved and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, David had a unique way of closing visits with his heartfelt phrase, “Glad you could see me,” followed by a teasing silly face, a gesture that perfectly captured his warm spirit.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest W. Dorries and Nellie Caldwell Damon; his siblings Conrad Dorries, Elinor Dorries, Sylvia Armour, and Ruth Lawson; his beloved wife, Joyce Dorries, who he lost in 1989; and his longtime girlfriend Diane Lacey, who passed away in 2017.

A graveside service to honor David’s life will be held on March 30th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the DFW National Cemetery, located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas. Family, friends, and loved ones are invited to gather and celebrate the extraordinary life of a man who devoted himself to service, education, family, and community. David Caldwell Dorries’ legacy of kindness, dedication, and joy will continue to inspire those who knew him for generations to come.