Dawson "Daw Daw" V. KellyJr.

Dawson V. Kelly Jr., affectionately known as "Daw Daw," a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born on January 2, 1944, to Dawson V. Kelly Sr. and Annie Mae Whitehead Kelly. Daw Daw proudly served his country as a United States Army veteran and later dedicated more than 30 years of his life to serving his community as a firefighter with the Baton Rouge Fire Department. Known by all as Daw Daw, he was a man of many talents and passions. He was a self-taught carpenter who could build or fix just about anything, and he took great pride in his work. He also had a deep love for thoroughbred racehorses and a true green thumb when it came to gardening. Whether working with his hands or spending time outdoors, Daw Daw found joy in the simple things and lived life on his own terms. He is survived by his loving siblings, Shirley (Dennis) Scivicque, Joyce Cooper, and Glenn Kelly; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who cherished him deeply. He is also survived by three of his closest friends —Jimmy Turnley, Johnny Chustz, and Richard Guisinger -who held a special place in his life and shared many memories with him over the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dawson V. Kelly Sr. and Annie Mae Whitehead Kelly, and his siblings, Betty Harelson, Sarah Averett, Claude Kelly, Danny Kelly, and Arthur "AJ" Kelly. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Ourso Funeral Home, located at 13533 Airline Highway, Gonzales, Louisiana, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital http://www.stjude.org/donate