Derek James Dorsey

Derek James Dorsey, a man who lived his life with the same skillful hands he used to tinker with model cars and hot wheels, passed away at the age of 41 in Topeka, KS on February 18, 2024. Born on October 12, 1982, in Ottawa, KS, Derek was a beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather who brought laughter and love into every room he entered, much like his favorite comedians brought laughter into his living room.

Derek, known affectionately as the family's personal handyman, could fix anything except, perhaps, a Denver Broncos losing streak. He attended Washburn Rural High School, where he was more likely to be found daydreaming about fishing or the next horror flick than paying attention to algebra. He carried that love of fishing throughout his life, often seen by the lakeside, teaching his sons and grandsons the difference between a real catch and "the one that got away."

A man of resilience and determination, Derek celebrated three years of sobriety before his passing, a testament to his strength and commitment to his family. His wife, Teresa Dorsey, stood by him through thick and thin, and together they raised a family that was as close-knit as the plots in a classic Western—complete with the occasional dramatic standoff over who controlled the TV remote.

Derek's children—Michael, Savanah Darr, Jordan Dorsey, Devontae Sharpe, Amber Hill, Nicholas Kelly, Katelynn Hill, and Shaylynn Hill—will remember him as a father who taught them how to laugh in the face of adversity, how to bait a hook, and the importance of always having a good scare during a horror movie marathon. His son-in-law Eddie Hill will surely miss the banter and the shared DIY projects that often turned into comedy sketches.

His grandchildren, five rowdy grandsons and three spirited granddaughters, will carry on his legacy of laughter and love for the outdoors. They will no doubt become dedicated Broncos fans, if only to honor their granddad's unwavering support for the team, regardless of their performance.

Derek's humor was as infectious as his love for his mother, Cathy Stewart, who instilled in him the value of a good chuckle and a warm heart. As Robin Williams once said, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Derek certainly never lost his spark, and his madness was the delightful kind that filled a room with warmth and giggles.

In his leisure, Derek could be found building model cars with a precision that would make any engineer envious, or expanding his impressive hot wheels collection, which he argued would be worth a fortune one day—though his children knew it was more about the joy of the hunt than any potential windfall.

Sunday afternoons were sacred, reserved for cheering on the Broncos, whether they were cruising to victory or fumbling their way through the game. Derek's shouts at the TV were a familiar soundtrack, punctuated by commentary that was often funnier than the game itself.

As we bid farewell to Derek James Dorsey, we remember a man who lived with gusto, laughed with abandon, and loved with all his heart. He may have left us too soon, but his legacy of joy, laughter, and a well-placed fishing line will continue to ripple through the lives of all who knew him. Let's not say goodbye, but rather, "See you later," because as the great Groucho Marx said, "I intend to live forever, or die trying." Derek, with his indomitable spirit, surely would have agreed.