May 16, 2025

Lewis Merril Dorris

Posted May 16, 2025 7:46 PM
Dorris, Merril Lewis
Dorris, Merril Lewis

Lewis Merril Dorris, 89, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, surrounded by family at Ascension Via Christi-St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita.

He was born June 8, 1935, in Springer, New Mexico, the son of Marion Lewis and Lena Belle (Burns) Dorris.  Lewis graduated high school in Galesburg, KS and in 1958, he graduated from McPherson College. On March 30, 1958, Lewis was united in marriage to Ardith Bernice Sellers at the Monitor Church of the Brethren.

Lewis served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1960.  He retired from the NCRA Refinery in 1995 where he was an Insulator Leaderman.

He was a member of Monitor Church of the Brethren.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Ardith of the home; three children, Randy Dorris of Hesston, KS, Terri (Kevin) Harris of Leander, TX, and Michael Dorris of McPherson, KS; siblings, George (Janice) Dorris of Bartlesville, OK, Julia Sterling of Humboldt, KS, and Clarice Sowder of Chanute, KS; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Lena Dorris; and two siblings, Albert Dorris and Mary Jo Hughs.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with Pastor John Hoffman officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at the Canton Township Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be given to Monitor Church of the Brethren in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.