Area mourns loss of health care advocate
'Served the district very well'

An East Texas community health care advocate lost his battle with cancer Nov. 2.

Dr. Melvin K. Bottorff, 72, died Nov 2 after a long battle with Leiomyoscarma.

During his years of service to patients, Bottorff is believed to have delivered more than 8,000 East Texas babies.

Bottorff retired in 2001 but came out of retirement in 2005 to volunteer his services to Katrina evacuees who were stationed in Rayburn.

Bottorff served as Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at Jasper Memorial Hospital from 1993 to 2000 and was a director of the Jasper-Newton County Health District from 1993 until his retirement in 2001.

"He served as our medical director for a number of years," said Jasper-Newton County Health District Director Danny Bracken. "He served us very well and he helped us deliver services to the people. He served the district very well."

Bottorff was instrumental in the building of the Rayburn Clinic at Sam Rayburn Lake and served on its board.

Amemorial service for Bottorff was held yesterday, Nov. 6 with internment scheduled for today, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. at lake Village Arkansas City Cemetery.