Donald Robert Dawson

Don was born on April 2, 1945, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the late William Arthur and Hattie Dawson. A dedicated provider and patriot, he honorably served his country in the United States Army. He later pursued a successful career as a manufacturing engineer with Gordon Manufacturing and Pridgeon & Clay, where he happily served as an esteemed member of the PMA.

He was a man of deep and unwavering faith. Don loved Jesus Christ above all else and held a lifelong passion for sharing the good news of salvation with everyone he met. In his younger years, he was an avid fisherman and hunter who loved spending time in God’s creation with his wife and children. He was also a passionate NASCAR fan and a dedicated youth hockey coach who was heavily involved in the Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association (GRAHA). Throughout his life, he continued to find great joy and friendship on the golf course, remaining active with his golf league.

Above all, Don was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with those he loved, especially his grandchildren.

Donald’s legacy of faith and love lives on through his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda Dawson; his three children, Marcy Dawson Nicholson (Scott), Jeffrey Dawson (Erika), and Kristy Shick (Corey); and his eight cherished grandchildren: Jordan Dawson, Jack Dawson, Ella Dawson, Hannah Shick, Kate Dawson, Dawson Shick, Kennedy Shick, and Cooper Shick. He is also survived by his sister, Judith Wilmer; his brothers, Bill Dawson, Ron Dawson, and Richard Dawson; and dozens of loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Donald’s life and faith will be held on August 1st at 11 a.m. at Schalamar Creek Country Club in Lakeland, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The ALS Association, https://www.als.org/ or the Tampa VA Fisher House, https://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/houses/current-houses/florida-james-a-haley-veterans-hospital-i-ii/