Michael “Mike” Willard Dorton

Michael “Mike” Willard Dorton , 76, of Largo, FL. passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, surrounded by family, in VA Bay Pines Hospice.  True to the end, Mike had a big, strong heart and his family was his life.

Mike was born on October 1, 1939 to Willard and Esther (McComas) Dorton in Denver, Colorado. He has one surviving sister, Sandra (Dorton) Hayes. Mike lived and attended Denver Public Schools. After graduating from South High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served during the Vietnam War from 1958-1962.  He served in the Naval Reserves, ending his term with the rate of DC2. He always stated that his time in the Navy was the best time of his life and up until a few weeks prior to his death, he reminisced about his service, including the ports he visited, ships he was assigned to, and jobs he performed.

After the Navy, Mike started working in the mail room for Mountain Bell Telephone Company in Denver, CO., where he met his future wife, Sandra Lynn Andresen. On September 14, 1963, he married Sandra at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. They were married for 53 years, living in Denver, Colorado during which time Mike continued his employment with Mountain Bell/US West Telephone Company working as a Purchasing and Contract Agent for 30 years until his retirement.

Mike was a hard worker and excellent provider for his family. He was active in his children’s activities including coaching and refereeing soccer. After retirement, he and Sandy moved to Largo, Florida where he worked part-time with Publix for 20 years. He was active with SaveOurStrays, where he and Sandy were passionate about fostering, rehabilitating and rehoming unwanted cats and kittens. He also volunteered his free time working at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores, FL.

Mike will forever be remembered for his quirky sense of humor, wit, and generosity. He always had a Cuban cigar and a book in hand. He was an avid reader, especially interested in military history. He had a photographic memory and could recite dates and important events at any given moment. He participated in and won “Senior Smarts” Knowledge Bowl for several years running. During his prime years in Florida, he would remain active and ride his bicycle everywhere, even participating in a charity bicycle event, riding from Orlando to Miami, Florida.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Willard Dorton; mother, Esther Dorton; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra Dorton, Largo, FL; sister, Sandra Louise Hayes (Robert) of Englewood, CO; children and grandchildren, Kimberly Blomquist and grandson John of Valrico, FL; Christopher Dorton (Pam) and grandchildren Lucas and Julia of Northglenn, CO; Kathleen Dillon (Greg) and grandchildren USN-AD3 Nicholas Dillon of Norfolk, VA and Michaella of Apex, NC; and stepdaughter Tenya Spillman of Hayward, CA. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would especially like to thank the hospice unit at the VA hospital-Bay Pines for their thoughtfulness and compassionate care of Mike during his final days.

A memorial service will be performed with full military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO June 14th at 10:00am.  The family will have a celebration of Mike’s life after the funeral service, from 12 noon-3pm at E.B. Rains Park, 11701 Community Center Drive, Northglenn, CO 80233; Tumbleweed and Sagebrush Pavilions.

In lieu of flowers, Mike requested that donations be made in his name to:

Veteran’s Administration Rocky Mountain Network

4100 East Mississippi Ave.

Denver, Colorado 80246