Fred E. Dawson's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Fred E. Dawson, age 76 of Charleston and formerly of Galesburg, Illinois, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, October 17, 2011 while at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 20, 2011 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Salisbury Church located at 2350 Madison Avenue in Charleston. Immediately following the visitation there will be a Celebration Service of his life with Pastor Scott Sims officiating. Following the services and in accordance with Fred's wishes, his earthly body will be cremated. In lieu of flowers and instead of memorial gifts, Fred's family requests that you go MAD (Make A Difference). Fred was born in Galesburg, on September 10, 1935 to the late Fred and Grace (Holland) Dawson, but was raised in the loving home of the late Helen Isaacson. He was formerly married to Mary Frambes and following her death he married Marsha (Wells) Lauwers on January 1, 1999 in Galena, Illinois. Fred is survived by Marsha, his loving and devoted wife and best friend of twelve years; three sons, Jeff Dawson and wife Melissa of Massachusetts, Ted Dawson and wife Melissa of Oklahoma, Doug Dawson and wife Amy of Iowa; two stepsons, Adam Lauwers and wife Jorden of Tuscola, Illinois and Whit Lauwers and wife Amber of Mattoon; nine grandchildren, Andy, Taylor, Zach, Erik, Karin, Lauren, Jordan, and Jacob Dawson, Mason Lauwers, and was anticipating the birth of a tenth grandchild in May of 2012. Also surviving are his sister, Beverly Kay and husband Jim of Oregon; a brother, Jim Isaacson and wife Pat of Galesburg; several nieces and nephews, his church family and a multitude of friends. Fred was a graduate of Galesburg High School and a United States Army Veteran. Fred remained in the Galesburg area where he was employed for many years in a management position with Maytag. After moving to Charleston, Fred worked for Kirchner Building Center in Kansas. Fred was an active member of Salisbury Church. He was a man who possessed a deep and abiding faith and was devoted to encouraging others in their Christian walk. His pastor was known to liken him to a ""modern day Barnabas"". Fred was selfless in his approach to life and one who lived to be a positive role model and mentor - not only for his family but for all whose lives he touched. Fred was devoted to making a difference in the world one person at a time. Fred enjoyed relaxing in his garage tinkering with different projects and was also a sports fan - as a side note he would be cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. Fred was also an avid reader and especially enjoyed his daily Bible reading. Fred's love and affection for his family was demonstrated through his support, his understanding and his commitment. He was devoted to his boys and his grandchildren - he always made time for them and they knew they could rely on his unwavering love. He and Marsha shared a wonderful and loving relationship which complemented one another. Fred's physical presence in the lives of all who knew him will be missed but he leaves a treasured legacy which will endure through the many ways in which he Made A Difference.
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