Wilbert Dourte

Wilbert Dourte, 79, of Willow Street, PA, formerly of Lebanon, PA, passed away Thursday morning, January 19, 2017 at the Mennonite Home. Born in Fontana, Lebanon County, PA, he was the son of the late Clarence and Anna Ziegler Dourte. Wil was the husband of Marion Cash Dourte, together they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on May 18, 2016. A graduate of Elizabethtown College, he was a math teacher for 33 years at J. P. McCaskey and Hempfield High Schools until he retired in 1992. He was a charter member of the Lampeter Church of the Brethren where he was treasurer, Moderator, and Deacon chair. He was also a member of the NEA, PSEA, and AARP. He enjoyed sports, especially golf and baseball. His favorite team was the Philadelphia Athletics, even after the team moved to Oakland, he remained an avid A’s fan. Wil has been an active member of Optimist International for over 60 years. The treasure of the Optimist Club of Lancaster, he chaired most committees and served as president. Wil was also a former member of the Lebanon and Hempfield Optimist Clubs. Wil was Governor of the Delaware Eastern Pennsylvania District in 1977-1978 and was International Vice President in 2004-2005. He attended their Optimist International Conventions for 43 years and served as Chief Sergeant at Arms for 34 years. In 1979 at O.I. Convention, Wil was awarded the United Nations Peace Award for the founding of the Optimist Club in Bethlehem, Israel and arranging for $75,000 of medicine and toys to be delivered. In addition to his wife, Marion, he is survived by his children, Erik J. Dourte of Lancaster, Polly A. Ziegler of Columbus, OH, and his two grandchildren; Samantha S. and Bryce M. Bassitt. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Celebrate his Life at a Memorial Service to be held at the Lampeter Church of the Brethren, 1900 Lampeter Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602 on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor John Hostetter officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the services. If desired, memorials may be sent in Wil’s memory to the Lampeter Church of the Brethren at the address above or to the Lancaster Optimist Club, P.O. Box 1215, Lancaster, PA 17608.