Forest G. Dawson Sr.

Forest Gene Dawson was, LtCol (Ret), United States Marine Corps, went to his eternal rest on September 29, 2015. Gene was born on August 23, 1929 in Pima, Arizona to Doke and Elizabeth Dawson. Gene received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Baylor University. Gene enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War and completed Naval Flight School in Pensacola, FL. Upon graduation from flight school, Gene received his commission as a 2nd Lt. in the USMC. His 25 year career as a Marine Aviator included multiple assignments overseas to include Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand as well as aircraft carrier based deployments primarily to the Mediterranean. He and his family were also stationed at multiple Marine Air Bases in the United States. He was the recipient of numerous military awards including the Bronze Star with the “V” device while flying 195 combat missions in Vietnam as well as serving as the Chu Lai Air Base Commander. Gene called El Paso home after retiring from the USMC in 1975.

Upon retirement from the USMC, Gene recognized the need in the El Paso area for qualified flight instructors and general aviation expertise and opened Gene’s Flight School in 1976. During the 39 years of operation of his beloved flight school Gene, and his instructor pilots, were responsible for teaching countless number of student pilots. Gene was a superb military and civilian pilot and had accumulated 30,000 flight hours during his career. His obsession for aviation safety was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration when he was awarded the Wright brothers Master Pilot Award which recognizes pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 50 or more years.

As both Marine aviator and civilian flight instructor Gene was demanding, precise, direct, brutally honest and committed to excellence in aviation both for himself and his students. He taught, trained, mentored, advised and guided many young pilots who went on to professional aviation careers or for those who flew recreationally. Under his “tough as steel” exterior, he was a kind and loving man who cared deeply for those for whom he was responsible for whether it was flying, friends, or those experiencing life challenges.

Gene was a 32nd Mason in the Shriner’s for more than 50 years and, over the years, flew many children to be treated at Shriner’s hospitals. Gene was a member of aviation organizations and was inducted into the El Paso Aviation Hall of Fame in 2003. He remained current on matters of aviation standards and safety and was the “go to” person for anyone needing his expertise and insight. Gene was a man of honor whose actions and words were rooted in honesty, unwavering commitment to mission accomplishment, loyalty, duty and integrity in his beliefs. His handshake was his word.

Gene is survived by his wife Mary Kaough, daughter Leah (Larry) Hurst, sons Dane Dawson, Forest Dawson, Jr, sister Patricia (Lou) Enloe, grandsons Justin (Laura) Orrick and Aaron (Brittany) Orrick, two great granddaughters Kelsey and Sydney, nieces and nephews and countless friends who were near and dear to him. Gene was married to his first wife, Patricia Dawson, for 50 years and she was an invaluable source of strength and support.

Gene will be greatly missed but his legacy to general aviation will live on in the many pilots and people whose lives he touched. It is time for him to have a well deserved rest and for us to carry on in the manner in which he taught us. Gene is now flying with the angels. Godspeed and Semper Fi.

Services for Gene will be held on October 6, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Martin Funeral Home West, at 128 N. Resler with military honors at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 1:00PM. Visitation will precede the service scheduled at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the organizations of your choice.

Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West 128 N. Resler El Paso, Texas 79912 www.martinfuneralhomewest.com