Chester Dorsey

On July 14, 2025, at the age of 86, Rev. Dr. Chester Ray Dorsey was welcomed into the arms of the Lord as a good and faithful servant. Chet was born to Chester Gilbert and Nile Fern Dorsey on Aug. 29, 1938, in Garnett, Kan., and was the oldest of four children: two brothers, Ralph and Charles, and one sister, Linda. 

Chet grew up in St. Louis and at a young age, he felt the calling of the Lord to pursue a life in ministry and sharing God’s word. He followed this call wholeheartedly, graduating from Sterling College in 1961, graduating from Dubuque Seminary in 1965 and graduating from Fuller Theological Seminary with a doctorate degree in Theology and Ministry in 1983. While attending Sterling College, he met and began courting Barbara and they married in St. Louis on Oct. 2, 1965. In March of 1969 they welcomed a son, David, and in February of 1973 they welcomed their daughter, Kristen, who was chosen to join the family through adoption. 

During Chet’s 45-plus years in ministry, he served congregations in Stanley, N.D.; Lime Springs, Iowa; Omaha, Neb.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Ephrata, Wash. He reluctantly retired in 2003 but continued to preach as a pulpit supply pastor for many more years in churches located in Wenatchee, Quincy, Marlin, Yakima and several other locations. Countless wonderful and lifelong friendships were established because of the communities and congregations Chet served.

Known for not sitting still very long, Chet participated in a variety of groups throughout his years of pastoral service: Mariners, Stephens Ministry, Lions Club and Interchurch Council, and was very active in Presbytery here in Washington state. Along with his regular day to day responsibilities, he performed a multitude of weddings, baptisms and funerals for families in each state.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the nurses and caregivers at Garden Oasis Assisted Living and the North Wing of Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata, who cared for Chet over the past seven-and-a-half years, both in good times and not-so-good times. We also thank Hospice for their guidance and care during the last four months of Chet’s life. Finally, we thank our loving pastor Mark Bassett, our wonderful congregation at Our Redeemer Presbyterian Church and many family members and friends, for the prayers, visits, cards, flowers, love and care Chet received.  

Chet was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Gilbert and Nile Dorsey, his brothers, Ralph and Charlie, and his sister, Linda. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Barbara of Ephrata; son David and grandsons Kasey and Andrew of Casa Grande, Ariz.; daughter Kristen of Ephrata and granddaughter Shannon (Michael) Sloan and great granddaughter Lucina RaeAnn of Tacoma, Wash.; and granddaughter Caitlin (Stephen) Manell, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life will be held Aug. 2, 2025, at Our Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 172 Ivy St., SE, Ephrata at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at nicolesfuneralhome.com.