Albert Dorton

Albert Edward Dorton

Albert Edward Dorton was born October 4, 1940, in Carmen, Oklahoma. His parents were Joseph William Dorton and Violet Marie McConnell Dorton. Albert was the 4th child born to this union. He was delivered by his grandmother, Florence McConnell. Albert and Gayle (Reed) Dorton were married June 23, 1962. After 63 years together, Gayle has lost her husband, their children their dad, the grandchildren and great grandchildren, their Grand Dad. We will grieve for him but those of us that knew and loved him will celebrate his life with wonderful memories. To this union two children were born; Jeff Allen Dorton and Diane Rene Dorton Highfill. As a young man, when they were married, Albert was working as the parts man at Holderby Ford. Albert worked at many jobs, trying to make a living for his growing family. In 1964, he was appointed to service with the United States Postal Service, an appointment he held until his retirement in 1998. During that time, he worked as a clerk, a city letter carrier and occasionally as a rural substitute mail carrier. All of his postal employment was served in Cherokee, OK. He was very dedicated to his job. When he retired, he had accumulated many hours of vacation and sick days. He just didn't miss work. While Jeff and Diane were in high school, Albert became interested in photography after taking a photography class at NWOSU in Alva. He took many pictures of the students in all activities. When the high school burned in 1981, all of the school's yearbook pictures were lost. Many of the pictures of the student's activities for the year book that year were provided from his pictures.

Albert was also a farmer/rancher. He loved working with the animals but not especially horses!

He retired from farming and ranching in 2015. That business is still in the family, now in the hands of his granddaughter, Taylor Fielder, who took it over from her father, Boyde Highfill who passed away in 2023.

After his retirement, Albert and Gayle hooked up their 5th wheel and had many wonderful trips together. Their first trip as retirees was to Alaska, a trip they had been planning for a long time. That trip lasted one week short of three months.

Later, Albert also found another hobby, building and refinishing furniture. Some of his grandchildren were the recipients of cedar chests, a toy box, rocking horse and refinished pieces. The tools wore out about the same time Grand Dad began looking to taking time for himself to crappy fish, which he enjoyed for a long time.

Albert was a serious, quiet, hardworking, gentle and loving husband and father. He very seldom lost his temper or raised his voice. He had a very dry sense of humor and liked to tease, especially Gayle.

He loved is grandchildren beyond measure, he often took them fishing even if they were "girls". (The Highfill girls) He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Violet Dorton; two brothers, Bobbie Joe and Claud; one sister, Vera May Dorton Bell; his wife's parents; Hubert and Edna Reed and his son-in-law; Boyde Jack Highfill, two sisters-in-law, Susan Dorton and Louise Dorton.

Albert is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gayle, of the home, his two children: Jeff Allen and wife Julie of Stillwater, OK and his daughter Diane Rene Dorton Highfill of Cherokee. Seven grandchildren; Shayla Swain (Adam) of Cooper Landing, Alaska, Jacklyn Highfill of Ketchum, Idaho, Taylor Fielder (Zack) of Cherokee, Kathryn Milincovich (Laurence) of Stillwater, OK, Alyxandra (Brent) Ramos of Peculiar, Missouri, Claire Wampler of Mustang,

OK, and Caleb (Krisie) Manning, OK City, OK.

He is also survived by 14 great grandchildren; Lincoln and Logan Wampler, Jack, Walker and Clay Swain, Avery, Caroline, Carson and Vivian Ramos, Albert Milincovich, Boyd Fielder, Kamryn and Harper Manning and Jadyn Moody.

Others survivors are two brothers, Vernon (Linda) of Mustang, OK. and Donney of Piedmont, OK.

Albert was a member of the Cherokee Methodist Church.

Albert's service will be a private family gathering at Lanman Funeral Home on Friday, May 29, 2026 and following the service a private family gathering at the cemetery. Interment will be in the Cherokee Cemetery under the direction of Lanman Funeral Home. Viewing will be Thursday 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cherokee Voluntary Fire Department, the Cherokee Methodist Building Fund or a recipient of your choice through Lanman Funeral Home.