OSCAR TRIGG DORTON
1920-2009
Oscar Trigg "O.T." Dorton Died: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Age: 88
Information from Those Who Made a Difference by Robert L. Marsh and
The Paintsville Herald (May 11, 2001)
In the course of the 20th Century few men had such a positive impact
on Johnson County or the Big Sandy Region as did Trigg Dorton. It
has been said that if the first half of the century in Paintsville
and Johnson County was molded by John C.C. Mayo, then the last half
was fashioned by Dorton's influence and leadership.
Oscar Trigg Dorton was born June 15, 1920, in Detroit, Michigan, the
son of David H. Dorton and Flora Williams Dorton. He graduated from
Paintsville High School in 1938 and from the University of Kentucky
in 1942 with a degree in commerce. He entered the United States Army
Air Corps as a Private in 1942 and served until his discharge as a
First Lieutenant in 1945. At this time he met and married Betty
Marie Reynolds.
The son of one banker and the father of another banker, Trigg entered
the banking business in 1945 as assistant cashier of then Second
National Bank (now Citizens National Bank). He completed his
education at the prestigious Stonier School of Banking in 1953.
By 1958 Dorton had moved from assistant cashier to cashier and
executive vice president of the bank. Six years later he was named
president of the bank, succeeding his father. He remained in that
position until 1986 when he was succeeded by his son, Dennis T.
Dorton. He continued his service at Citizens National Bank as
Chairman of the Board until 1994.
From the date of his return to Johnson County after military service,
Trigg Dorton threw himself into community and civic activities. For a
period of almost 50 years he served as president, director or member
of a host of professional, civic and charitable organizations. Trigg
Dorton was chairman of the Kentucky Banker's Association, Kentucky
Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Independent College Fund,
Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, Paintsville Rotary
Club, Lonesome Pine Council of Boy Scouts, Mountain Comprehensive
Care Center, Big Sandy Area Development District, Paintsville
Development Corporation, and a founding board member and chair of the
Big Sandy Community Action Program. He was an officer or member of
the Paintsville Gas and Water Commission, Highlands Regional Medical
Center, Big Sandy Health Planning Council and a Director of the
Cincinnati Branch of the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank.
Trigg's commitment to youth and education is unchallenged. He served
for 12 years as a member of the Paintsville Independent School Board,
the Pikeville College Board, Lindsey Wilson College Board, Big Sandy
Community and Technical College Board and on the Development Board of
the University of Kentucky. Other lifelong interests include
Paintsville's First United Methodist Church which has benefited from
his leadership and generosity, as well as his active role in the
church choir.
In 2002 he was inducted into the University of Kentucky Gatton
College of Business and Economics Hall of Fame. In 2008 the
Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce presented him with the
Presidential Award which will now be known as the O.T. Dorton
Presidential Award.
Johnson County's economy was the focus of Trigg Dorton's attention
throughout a thirty year period form 1960 to 1990. Many community
projects have all felt the impact of Dorton's hard work and
dedication.
Although Oscar Trigg Dorton retired, his advice and wisdom has been
sought almost daily by those who have assumed the positions of
leadership and community interest which he once held. They know, as
do most Johnson Countians, that few people have made as much
difference as he.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dave and Flora Dorton and his
brother Dr. David H. Dorton, Jr. He is survived by his spouse, Betty
Marie Reynolds Dorton, his son, Dennis Trigg Dorton (Jean Marie
Mollett) and daughter, Lynn Dorton Mullins (William Charles Mullins).
He is also survived by his sister, Norma Jean Maggard; three
grandchildren, Andrew Trigg Dorton (Stephanie Stumbo), Meridith Lynn
Mullins, and Macy Marie Covington (Trey); and two great-
grandchildren, Tristan Andrew Dorton and Ashton Warren Dorton.
Funeral services for O. T. "Trigg" Dorton were conducted 1:00 P.M.
Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Paintsville, KY., with
burial at Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, KY.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First United Methodist Church
Building Fund, 505 Main Street, Paintsville, Ky., 41240 or by
contacting Jones-Preston Funeral Home at 606-789-3501. Arrangements
by Jones-Preston Funeral Home.
Big Sandy News
Wednesday
Feb.26 2009
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