On February 23, 2012, Dewel B. (Jim) Dawson went to his heavenly home to be with his parents T.H. (Dink) Dawson and Ida Collier Dawson and his four brothers and 6 sisters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Sarah Jeannine Neill Dawson; son Tony Dawson and wife Sidney; daughter Cheryl Phillips and husband Dwight; daughter Donna Russell and husband Mike. He is also survived by those who called him “Pe Paw” or “Buddy”; grandsons, Joshua Phillips and wife Amy, Luke Russell and wife Erin, and Danny Russell and wife Sarah; granddaughters, Jessica Robison and husband Randy, and Lindsey Dawson. He is survived by great-grandchildren, Dawson Robison, Parker Phillips, Lyla Jane Robison, and Grady Russell; and many nieces and nephews.
He was born in Oak Flat, Texas on December 9, 1923. He joined the Bethany Baptist Church at an early age.
After attending Cushing High School, he served his country during World War II. He was a Private First Class in the infantry and a member of the Rainbow Division that fought in the Battle of the Bulge. During his time in France and Germany he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with an oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Emblem, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal and a Purple Heart.
After the war, he returned to Trawick. He began his own dairy business which he operated for 30 years. After retiring from the dairy business he had stocker cattle until his health began to fail. He enjoyed taking care of his cattle and checking on them each day.
He was a beloved, devoted husband, father, and grandfather. The way he lived his life was a testament to the love he had for his family. For 36 years he enjoyed the annual family vacation which began when his first grandchild was born. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of great joy to him. He was a fierce competitor in basketball, volleyball, croquet and forty-two. When he was no longer able to play, he would sit on the sidelines and be a very involved coach. As his health deteriorated, his great-grandchildren were one thing that could still bring a smile to his face. Through his difficult health issues he didn’t complain and he kept his sense of humor. By his wife, children and grandchildren he will be remembered as a man who devoted his life to them and who lived a Christ-like life. He will be dearly missed.
His funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors in Nacogdoches. Military rites will be performed. Interment will follow at Linn Flat Cemetery near Trawick.
Pallbearers will be Dwight Phillips, Joshua Phillips, Randy Robison, Mike Russell, Luke Russell, and Danny Russell. Honorary pallbearers will be L.B. Ayers, Joe Dawson, Charles Neill, and Harold Neill.
The family would like to extend “special thanks” to the compassionate staff which supported them at Willowbrook Nursing Home during their time of need.
Memorial donations may be made to Trawick Presbyterian Church c/o Mrs. Melba Corley, 2068 CR 836, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964
Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
