John Dawson

John Edward Dawson, 84, of Mansfield, died July 12, 2010, at MedCentral Mansfield. Born January 17, 1926, in Springfield, KY, he was the son of Howard P. and Nettie Belle Baker Dawson. A World War II Army veteran, John was united in Holy Matrimony to Rose Mary Ellery on August 7, 1948. John was a devoted husband and father of seven children. As one of the first African-American saddlebred horse trainers, he was highly recognized in his field. He retired as a horse trainer in the late 1980's having been working for Countryside Horse Farm in Ashland, OH at the time of his retirement. He was a member of the American Saddlebred Horseman Association and Who's Who of American Saddlebred Horsemen. While living in Ohio, Kentucky and Canada, he showed and trained American Saddlebred horses throughout the eastern and midwestern United States. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, doing word puzzles, woodcrafts and storytelling.

Surviving are his wife, Rose Ellery Dawson; four daughters, Catherine Winburn of Mansfield, Sara L. Eugene Hudgins of Marietta, GA, Dorothy Douglas Dawson-Sheldon of Wakeman, OH and Elizabeth Dawson of Mansfield; three sons, John Dawson, Jr. of Mansfield, Charles Dawson of Columbus, OH and Van Rose Brown of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Michelle, Donald, Valerie, Pam, Matthew, Ashley and Danielle; great grandchildren, Mike, Megan and Kyra; a sister, Elizabeth Wright of Louisville, KY; a brother, Charles Dawson of Mansfield; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, George, Preston and Robert; and a sister, Catherine Wright.

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 15, 2010, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors where vigil services will be held during evening calling. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 16, 2010, at the funeral home led by Father Chris Bohnsack. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery where full military services will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail.