Leo Herbert Dorris (Duby) was born December 1, 1947 in Morrilton, Arkansas to Herbert Hoover Dorris and Leola Bertha Gunnells-Dorris. He was named by his mother’s brother, Leroy Gunnells. Leo was raised by his grandmother (big mamma), Minnie Geneva Gunnells. He was also raised by his Aunt Lillie Mae Dorris who was his mother’s sister and by his uncle Bill Dorris who was his father’s brother. His big mamma called him her little man and she’s the one who nicknamed him Dewberry, which was later shortened to Duby. Duby attended school in Morrilton until he moved to Omaha at the age of 13 to live with his father.
Duby attended Technical High School, where he met the love of his life, Marsha Gordon. He graduated high school in 1966 and they were married in 1967. To their union were born two children, Geneva and David Dorris. They celebrated 50 years of marriage last year when their children, their spouses and grandchildren hosted an amazing 50 year anniversary party in their honor. Duby’s most proud accomplishment was his family. You could always hear him brag on his family. He was our hero and now he’s our angel.
Duby worked his first full-time job at Mastercraft of Omaha to put himself through high school. He was very proud of the work he did at that job, where he made furniture. He then began to sell insurance where he worked first for Washington National then for Prudential of Omaha. He was top-seller on his teams most months at both companies, which was a source of pride for the entire family. Due to stress of sales, he accepted a position at Enron. While at Enron, Leo took college classes. He consistently tried to better himself and ended his work career at Omaha Public Power District, where he retired.
Although Duby professed a hope in Christ at an early age while still in Morrilton, he put his faith to practice as an adult and continued to profess Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior throughout his illness and praised Him for His goodness. He always thanked The Lord for allowing him to live long enough to know his two youngest grandchildren.
Duby leaves to cherish and celebrate his life his beloved wife, Marsha; children, Geneva Patterson (Terry) and David Dorris (Tiana); grandchildren, Candice Henry (Marcell), Quinten Patterson, Tiara Patterson, David (Davey) Dorris II and John (JD) Dorris; great-grandchild, Tristian Patterson; aunts, Loreatha Mayberry (Melvin) and Onella Kindle; sisters, Lezlie Floyd (Ted), Angela Dorris and Anna Mitchell (Bill); brother, Bryan Weaver; step brothers, Robert Bates (Olivia), Keith Bates (Linda) and Jonathan Gray; sisters-in-law, Clydelle Winfree and Deborah McReynolds (Curtis) and many other loving relatives and friends.
Celebration of life will be Wednesday, Nov 14th at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel AME church, 2428 Franklin St.
Visitation will be Tuesday Nov 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Roeder Mortuary 4932 Ames Ave.
Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery 2300 S 78th St.
