Dotson Herman Kay Dotson, longtime resident of Seminole and recent resident of Oklahoma City, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in Oklahoma City at the age of 94. He was born on December 11, 1931, to Ewell and Vera Marie (Taylor) Dotson. He was the youngest of four children and was born in the family home which was located in Wharton, AR, a rural area outside Huntsville. Kay was a 1948 graduate of Huntsville High School. He attended the University of Arkansas earning his bachelor’s degree and Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, earning his Master’s degree. Kay proudly served in the United States Navy in the submarine service during the time of the Korean conflict. He lived in Seminole from 1969 to 2025 and moved to Oklahoma City in July 2025 to live with his daughter and son-inlaw due to his health. Kay enjoyed gardening and was known for his pristine yard and beautiful Christmas decorations. He could fix almost anything as evidenced by his large collection of tools and accessories. He was highly involved in the Seminole community serving as a member of the Kiwanas and as a member of the Seminole Public Schools Board of Education for 27 years, several of those as President. Kay also was deeply committed to his church family serving as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and sound tech at First Baptist Church, Seminole. He was a lifelong educator serving as Principal at Bowring, OK; teacher at Inola High School; and the majority of his career was spent as English Professor and Chair of the English, Arts, and Humanities Department at Seminole Junior College, from 19691994. Above all else he was known as “Papa K” by his grandsons, family and many friends.

Kay is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lana and Doug Melton of Oklahoma City; four grandsons, Drew Melton and his wife Brittany of Vancouver, B.C.; Zach Melton and his wife Libby of Shawnee; Brandon Melton and his wife Tayler of Edmond; and Samuel Melton and his wife Kenna of Oklahoma City; twelve great-grandchildren and many other family and friends.

Kay was preceded in death by his parents, Ewell and Vera Dotson; wife Carol Ann Henshaw Dotson; second wife, Joan Carol Milby Holley Dotson; sister, Dr. Ellidee Dotson Thomas; two brothers, Hugh and Kenneth Dotson; fatherin- law and mother-inlaw, Homer and Wynona Henshaw.

A private family burial will be held at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole, OK.

Casket bearers will be Drew Melton, Zach Melton, Brandon Melton, Samuel Melton, Doug Melton and Charles Holley. Honorary Casket bearers will be Larry Dotson, Gary Dotson, Terry Dotson, Dale Dotson, Jerry Childers, Randy Allison and Robert Henshaw.

Kay’s family will hold a celebration of his life at 2:00 p.m. at Seminole First Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 with Pastor Doug Melton officiating. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, OK.