Lamar F. Dourte

Lamar Frey Dourte, age 72, of Manheim, PA, joined the heavenly choir on Sunday, November 5, 2023, after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).  Despite all the losses he experienced during his two-year illness, he continued to look for joy and beauty in each day.  Lamar was the husband of Susie E. Noll Dourte for 46 years.  He was the son of the late Rev. Allon and Jeanette (Frey) Dourte.  In addition to his wife, Lamar is survived by his daughter Allison Gehman (Dwight) and four grandchildren – Madelyn, Connor, Jocelyn, and Colton.  He is also survived by his sisters – Phyllis Wissler (Jay), Elma Hess (Karl), and Alice Lauver (David), and sister-in-law Linda Sauder (Amos).

Lamar graduated from Manheim Central High School, Messiah College (University), and Rutgers University.  He worked as a family counselor at the former Family and Children’s Service and as a social worker for Hospice & Community Care and several retirement homes. 

Music was a major part of his life.  He sang in music groups in high school and college.  He sang with the Lancaster Opera Company, Wheatland Chorale, Susquehanna Chorale, the Ministers of Music Quartet, and various other music groups.  He always sang first tenor.   In his retirement years, Lamar enjoyed singing and playing the piano for residents in retirement homes.  His other hobbies were spending time with his family, photography, landscaping, and gardening.  His lawn was sometimes called the “Longwood Gardens of Manheim!”

He was a member of Manor Church in Mountville.  His faith was very important to him, especially in the last two years as he faced this debilitating disease (ALS). 

Lamar’s family would like to thank the ALS Clinic in Hershey, Hospice For All Seasons, and Pleasant View Communities Healthcare for their care and support.