Richard “Dick” Dawson, 89, of Rochester, passed away at 10:03 AM on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at his home.
On October 2, 1932, Richard Dean was born in Fulton County to Lloyd O. and Ethel Whybrew Dawson. Growing up, he shared his childhood with four sisters. In 1950 he proudly graduated from Richland Center High School. Shortly after graduation, Richard answered the call of patriotism serving with the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
Dick and Karen Elaine Bowen were married on May 19, 1971 in the Rochester City Park with Dick and Shirley Alber as their witnesses. They have shared 50 years of life’s adventures with their blended family.
Dick was very active with community service organizations. He was a member of the Moose Lodge # 1107 and a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #2120, both of Rochester. He was instrumental in starting the Elks Lodge in Cherokee Village, Arkansas which now has over 300 members.
While living in Hardy, Arkansas, Karen and Dick were co-owners of Dick Dawson Realty, Inc. He held a real estate license in 4 states for 24 years. He was a past president of the Chamber of Commerce of Hardy. In later years he was an executive director with Melaleuca, Inc. of Idaho Falls, ID. The Dawsons enjoyed their air time as Dick was the pilot of their personal plane. The six-seater Piper Lance 300 was utilized for the business to take real estate prospects up for an aerial view of properties. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Karen was the flight attendant for the family on the pleasure trips.
Dick was honored to be included in the North Eastern Indiana Honors Flight on November 17, 2017.
Left to cherish Dick's memory are his wife, Karen; and their 7 children: Nick Dawson of Texas; Jim Dawson, Texas; Tammy (Roy) Dittmer, Aurora; Tim (Julie) Montel; Todd (Chris) Montel. 10 grandchildren; Milton Plummer, Brandon Dawson, Adam Montel, Justin (Brittany) Montel; AJ (Betsie) Montel; Jacob Geller, Jennifer Chris) Dittmer; Jami (Jacob) Montel; Deidre (Brandon) Dittmer; Ashley Dittmer and 12 great grandchildren; sisters Marcia (Dave) Smith of Rochester, Marolyn Stemm of southern Indiana Darlene (Bill) Roberts of Olive Branch, MS and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Richard in death are his parents, two daughters, Dianna Plummer, Tammy Sue Dawson, sister Carolyn Huxman and great granddaughter, Nora.
A celebration of the life of Richard Dean Dawson will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 21, 2022 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester.
Chaplain Tim Lee will officiate.
Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.
Military honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honors Team.
Interment will be in the Oaklawn Cemetery of North Manchester.
Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
