Archer Joseph Dorton was born to proud parents, Scott and Grace Dorton, and his sister, Addy, on September 3, 2024, at 27 weeks, weighing a tiny 1 lb. 4 oz. His family was blessed with 76 precious days with him, but after battling unforeseen complications following an exploratory surgery, Archer passed gently from his parents’ arms into the arms of Jesus on Monday, November 18, 2024.

From the very beginning, Archer was a miracle. During his short time on earth, he became an amazing testament of the Lord’s faithfulness and strength.

When an early ultrasound revealed severe growth restriction, and Archer was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (or Down Syndrome), the doctors presented the option to terminate the pregnancy. But Scott and Grace deeply believed that his life was a precious gift, and never considered ending it.

An echocardiogram later showed four different defects in his heart, and when it was clear that he would be delivered very prematurely, doctors questioned whether he would have adequate kidney function, and believed his lungs would be too underdeveloped for him to survive. But God manifested His strength and Archer defied every expectation.

He was born with every organ perfectly formed and functioning. There were no defects in his heart, he came into the world protesting at the top of his tiny, strong lungs, and proudly showed off his perfect kidney function by immediately peeing on a nurse. Throughout the next few months Archer continued to amaze his medical team with his progress, and delighted everyone who interacted with him.

Archer enjoyed cuddling his soft octopus toy, sucking on his fingers, and being held close by his parents and big sister Addy. His doctor said it best when he said that he was the apple of the NICU’s eye. The nurses who cared for him effused that he was such a happy baby that their faces would hurt from smiling at him so much. He broke so many hearts when he left.

Archer is deeply loved by his family, including his parents, Scott and Grace; his sister, Addy; grandparents Norman (Tanya) Dorton and Benecia Fowler; uncles and aunts, Kyle (Samantha) Dorton, Susannah Blackstock, Rachel Fowler, Elijah Fowler, Isaiah (Susan) Fowler, Joseph Fowler, Naomi (Kevin) Worth, Malachi (Brianne) Fowler, Samuel Fowler, Matthew Fowler, and Abigail Fowler; and cousins, Malachi, Matthew and Doolie Dorton, Chloe, Isaac and Daniel Blackstock, Josie, Sophie, Elsie, Jonathan and Averie Fowler, Rylee, Michael, Raelynn, Benjamin and Jameson Worth, Allison, Hazel and Adriel Fowler. He will greatly be missed by all who were blessed to know him.

A private funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 24th, at 1:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at Rose Blossom Hill in Rayville, Missouri.