Dear Cherico Family,

I am so sorry to hear of Dawson’s passing.  Please accept our deepest condolences and know you are in our prayers.  Words just cannot express our sadness for you.  May you all find some comfort in this difficult time.  He was such a lighthearted and wonderful young man.  
Prayers & Hugs
The Kolanda Family

Dear Cherico Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your beloved Dawson. Though words seem inadequate at a time like this, please know that my heart goes out to all of you. Dawson’s service to his country speaks volumes about the kind of person he was—brave, selfless, and deeply committed. At only 25 years old, he had already shown such strength and character, and his courage will never be forgotten.
As the only son, I can only imagine the depth of your pain, but please take comfort in the fact that Dawson’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the people he protected, and the values he embodied. His service, his sacrifice, and the love he had for his family and country will always be honored.
May you find peace in the memories of him, and may you feel his presence in the stories and moments that will forever be part of who you are.

With deepest sympathy and respect,
Synthia Villavicencio (Gil’s sister)

😥Paul, Jennifer, and Aspin, Were very sorry for your loss of your Son,Brother. Prayers 🙏and may God bless you 😇.

While it was a short period in my life, I’m grateful to have shared the time to know Dawson in his teenage years. His rambunctious personality left those around him in laughter and there was never a dull moment in his presence. Most of all,  I will always remember Dawson for having a big heart. To Paul, Jennifer, and Aspin, I’m very sorry for your loss. Stay strong and God bless 🙏🏼.

I’ll always remember Dawson from my 4th grade classroom! He was a great kid who always had an amazing smile! I’m so sorry to hear about this loss. 

Love, 
Erin Nelson (Miss Miethke)

Dawson was a friend and brother for the past 6 years. He was my first and one of my dearest friends when I got to Hill AFB. He always had the biggest smile on his face and could always make you laugh. I will always remember playing Mario kart and eating pizza in the dorms together, freaking out about the generators dropping power for the radar, and peanut butter & jelly pancake tacos. This picture is from one of the last times I saw Dawson almost 3 years ago but we kept up with each other over the past few years. He recently told me to “not get my cooties” on his deployment locker that I stole. I will miss Dawson for the rest of my life.

My heart goes out to Dawsons family and friends. He was an amazing person and will always be remembered for his acts of kindness.

My sincere  condolences to your family-  

Dawson was a special young man.  He had a strong spirit and kind heart.  I will always remember Dawson as a positive member of our team, and most importantly a great teammate.  Dawson would stop by my office every morning where we would  chat about the day ahead,  and reflect on the past days  and prior weeks. I valued  his input and appreciated his “let’s go”  attitude !  Dawson was ferocious!!!  Thinking of Dawson brings a smile to my face.  Thank you for sharing your son with us.  It was a pleasure knowing him.  

- Noland Eastin

This is a happier time from 2012-13 KQA Yearbook.  Jen and Dawson at the Science Fair.  Dawson, I only knew the middle school you.  That wonderful smile. Those athletic skills on the basketball court and recess football.  May the strength, comfort, and love of family, friends, and our Lord Jesus Christ carry your family through this time of grief and loss.  
Diane O

Paul and Jennifer,

I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Dawson. It's never easy to lose a loved one especially one of our children. May God shine his light upon you and welcome him into the kingdom of heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. 

WIth love and deepest condolences,
The Sparks Family

Dear Paul and Jennifer.
I am so sorry to hear about Dawson and am praying for all of your family that you will know God’s peace and comfort that only He can provide.
My deepest sympathy and love, 
Aunt Jill

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cherico family.

You were the best brother a big sister could ask for. You were funny. 
You were annoying. 
You were protective. 
You were a great listener and an even better advice giver. 
You knew how to make me mad, even more so though, you knew how to make me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry. 
You were there, for everything… I think I’ll miss that the most. 

I love you so much, baby brother.

Jennifer, Paul,  and family:  Our thoughts and prayers are extended to all of you. With Christian love, Joe & Shirley Lesnak.

The silliest little boy with the biggest smile! Love you, Dawson.

This photo best summarizes the friendship between Dawson and me. I remember when I had proposed to my wife, Dawson was the first person I had shared the big news with. I remember he immediately took it upon himself to learn what the expectations were of a groom's best man without me ever officially asking him to be my best man.

A few hours after this moment was captured, he would go on to say during his speech that, “I am the brother you always wish you had.” Nothing could have been more true than that statement. I cherish the laughter he gave me as I watched him nervously give his speech and how he would almost trip over each word, but I knew sharing that moment was important to him.
	
In the photo I shared, our wedding photographer, Cassandra, caught the moment Dawson just ‘had’ to fix my boutonniere, as my dad had placed it too low on my suit. I will forever cherish the memory of watching him become flustered as Cassandra excitedly told him to hold for the photo and then how he would go on to tease me about fixing it.

To Jennifer and Paul, thank you for raising a great son, brother, and my best friend.

OBITUARY

Dawson William Phillip Cherico

2 March, 1999 – 8 January, 2025

Resthaven Memory Gardens Funeral & Cremation

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