Harles Herman Dawson

Harles Herman Dawson, 77, of Mullens, West Virginia, passed away on October 29, 2026, at Bowers Hospice House.

Born on August 20, 1949, in Roderfield, West Virginia, Harles was the son of the late Harles and Margaret Dawson of Baileysville, West Virginia. He later made his home in Mullens, West Virginia, where he built a life centered around faith, hard work, family, and love. His life was defined by humility, kindness, strength, and an unwavering devotion to his family and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was, in every sense of the word, the epitome of a good man.

Harles was a faithful servant of God who loved Jesus with all his heart. His faith was not simply something he spoke about; it was something he lived every day. He loved attending church, worshipping alongside his church family, and sharing in the fellowship of fellow believers. His faith was the foundation of his life and the guiding force behind the way he loved, served, and cared for others.

To know Harles was to know a man of remarkable character. He was hardworking, generous, strong, kind, humble, and faithful. He possessed exceptional intelligence and a quiet strength that earned him the admiration and respect of those who knew him. He never needed recognition or praise to do what was right. He simply lived his life with integrity, treated people with kindness, and offered a helping hand whenever someone needed one.

Above all, Harles was a devoted husband and a loving father. He and his beloved wife, Kathleen Dawson, shared 56 years of marriage, building a life together rooted in love, commitment, faith, and devotion. He took great pride in caring for her, and his love was shown through his actions, his dedication, and the countless ways he made sure his family was taken care of. He loved driving her around to look for deer and admire the beautiful fall foliage, finding joy in even the simplest moments spent together.

He was the kind of father everyone wished they could have—the kind who was always there, who could be counted on, who made his family feel safe, and who loved without reservation. His presence was a source of strength, comfort, and reassurance, and his family will forever cherish the blessing of having been loved by him.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathleen Dawson; his daughters, Tammy Fields and her husband, Tom Fields; Laura Skaggs and her husband, Alan Skaggs; Ocie Sizemore; and Toni Dawson.

His legacy of love continues through his grandchildren: Carrisa McKinney, Justin McKinney, April McKinney, Katelynn Green, Karrigan Sizemore, Matthew Sizemore, Emma McKinney, and Grace McKinney, as well as his many great-grandchildren, who will carry a part of him forward through the generations.

His love for children extended far beyond his own family. In addition to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was lovingly known as Papaw to many extended grandbabies. So many children considered him their Papaw, not because they had to, but because of the love, kindness, and warmth he freely gave. He had a way of making people feel like family, and his heart had room for everyone. His legacy will live on not only through his own family, but through all the little lives he touched and all those who will forever remember him as their Papaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harles and Margaret Dawson; his brother, Ronnie Dawson; and his sisters, Iretha Cowherd, Mary Dawson, and Shelia Dawson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his siblings, May Pugh, Barbara Miller, Sonnie Dawson, and Tommy Dawson, along with his beloved wife, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends.

Harles proudly served in the United States Army, defending the country he loved. He turned 21 while serving in Vietnam, a chapter of his life that reflected his courage, sacrifice, and sense of duty. He was a proud American who loved his country and understood the meaning of service, commitment, and standing up for what he believed in.

Following his military service, Harles dedicated 42 years of his life to the coal mines, working hard to provide for his family. A retired coal miner, he carried with him the strength, determination, and work ethic that defined the men who spent their days underground. He especially enjoyed reminiscing about the days in the mines and telling stories about the jokes the coal miners would play on one another underground. Those stories, told with his unmistakable humor, were a reminder that even in the hardest of work, laughter could bring people together.

Harles knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. He loved hunting, shooting his guns, and making his own ammunition. Fall was his favorite season, and he looked forward to hunting season each year. Some of his most cherished moments were spent driving his wife around, looking for deer and admiring the beautiful fall foliage. Those quiet drives, surrounded by the beauty of the season he loved, were another expression of his devotion to her and his appreciation for life’s simple blessings.

He also enjoyed reading and, especially, spending time playing cards and pegs with his family. Those moments spent gathered together, sharing games, laughter, and conversation, were among the simple pleasures he treasured. He loved telling jokes and bringing smiles to the faces of those around him. And, of course, he dearly loved his cat, Ruby, who held a special place in his heart.

Though Harles accomplished much throughout his life, his greatest legacy was not measured in years worked, miles traveled, or accomplishments earned. It was measured in the lives he touched, the family he loved, the people he helped, the faith he lived, and the respect he earned. He was a man who could be counted on, a man who gave generously of himself, and a man whose goodness spoke louder than words ever could.

His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him. Yet his family can take comfort in knowing that the faith he held so dear was the same faith that carried him through life. For a man who loved Jesus Christ so deeply, his family finds comfort in the promise of eternal life and the hope of a heavenly reunion.

Harles Herman Dawson was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, a proud American, a hardworking coal miner, a faithful Christian, and a genuinely good man. He was admired by many, loved by countless others, and cherished beyond measure by his family.

He was the kind of man this world needs more of. His life was a testament to faith, honor, hard work, and unconditional love. Though his earthly journey has ended, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave will live on in the hearts of his family and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

In keeping with his wishes, Harles will be cremated, and no funeral or memorial services will be held.

Well done, good and faithful servant.