Gloria T. Dorian

Gloria Thomas Dorian died peacefully on August 5, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family, including her devoted husband, Gale Watson.

The daughter of Italian immigrants, Gloria was born and raised in Kansas City, where her Catholic faith took deep root. She nurtured that faith at home and through twelve years of Catholic education. During high school, she met Edward Hugh Dorian, who would become her first husband and the father of their four sons.

Soon after they married, Ed and Gloria moved their family to Memphis, Tennessee. Gloria was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church, the Madonna Circle, and the Serra Club. Later in life, she entered the workforce, becoming a top saleswoman for World Book Encyclopedia before joining FedEx, where she served as a Quality Assurance Expert. Throughout her career at FedEx, she received numerous awards recognizing her achievements and exceptional work ethic.

Gloria was known for her generosity and thoughtfulness. If something special happened in your life, chances are you received a card, a thoughtful gift, or both. She had a remarkable way of celebrating the people she loved and making them feel remembered.

She raised four wonderful sons—Thomas, Edward, John, and Michael—and rarely missed a sporting event, school activity, or family celebration. She was also known for her wonderful cooking, and whatever was simmering on the stove never seemed to last until the next day.

Later in life, Gloria reconnected with her grade school friend, Gale Watson, and the two married. As life became more physically challenging, Gale remained faithfully by her side, offering unwavering love, care, and companionship.

Gloria delighted in her nine grandchildren and three great-grandsons, with one great-granddaughter expected in September. To them, she will be remembered for Dollar Tree shopping sprees, Italian cookies, concerts, and fine dining.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Gale Watson; her sons, Tom (Cindy), Ed, and John (Gladys); her former daughter-in-law, Crystal; her grandchildren, Mathew, Tricia (Jaymes), H David (Tricia), Chuck, Andy (Baylee), Conner, William, Grace, and Caroline; and her great-grandchildren, Kolbe, Gio, Isaac, and Fae.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Hugh Dorian; her son, Michael Dorian; her father, Jewell Thomas; her mother, Josephine Vittoria Thomas; and her sister, Marlene Shields.

Memorial services will be held in both Kansas City, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee.

Kansas City, Missouri
Saturday, August 15, 2026
St. Patrick Parish
Visitation: 9:00 a.m.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m.

Memphis, Tennessee
Saturday, August 29, 2026
St. Louis Catholic Church
Visitation: 9:00 a.m.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m.

Obituary submitted by the family

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, Missouri