Charles Earl Dorrell, II

Charles Dorrell of Dallas died suddenly on June18 in Dallas, at the age of 78. A long-time resident of the city, he was treasured for his kindness, compassion, humor and love of physical activity and the outdoors.

Charles was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts, on March 1, 1947. He graduated from Duke University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and was employed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the aerospace program at LTV. He was a veteran of the United States Army, and served a tour of duty in southern Germany. After completing his Master of Science Degree in Bio-Medical Engineering at the University of Texas Arlington, he was employed in the Engineering Division of Parkland Hospital, later moving to the Baylor Medical System as Associate Director of Engineering, and Director of Engineering. He remained in the Baylor System for the rest of his career. His passion was management of the hospitals’ physical plants and, in the early days, the construction of burn units.

He had great enthusiasm for life. He treasured his wife of twenty-two years, Cheryl McKay-Dorrell, and loved their time together. Charles and his wife Cheryl were active members of the Cat Fanciers Associations and members of Fort Worth and Ozark Cat Clubs. Charles was an accomplished medic for their Persian show cats. He could deliver kittens, medicate, train, and soothe their beloved animals.

Charles was a lifelong athlete. His passions included long runs, longer bike rides, scuba diving, camping, hiking, yoga and the lifelong friends he made participating in these activities. Charles was a member of Semones Family YMCA at the time of his death, where he enjoyed discussing matters of the world with other gentleman of his age.

Charles is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his sister Peggy Burhop and her husband, Gary; his sister-in-law, Janice Freet and her husband, Tom; his brother-in-law, Mark McKay and his wife, Denise; and seven wonderful nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in the Big Cabin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, the North Texas Food Bank, or the SPCA of Dallas.

Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesvinita.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita. “Family owned. Locally operated.”