Obituary of Chester Clarence Dawson

AKRON -- Chester ("Chet") Clarence Dawson Jr., 67, devoted husband of Ruth Alma Dawson (nee Norris) and cherished father and grandfather, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008. Born on Nov. 30, 1940 in Niagara Falls, NY to Major General Chester C. Dawson (Sr.) and Mary Ann Dawson (Hehir), he spent most of his life in Western New York and Northeast Ohio. Chet graduated from Bishop Duffy H.S. in 1958, Niagara Univ. with a B.A. magna cum laude in 1962 and the Univ. of Buffalo School of Law, J.D., in 1965. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army from 1965-68 and was award the Bronze Star Medal, among other decorations, for his service in Vietnam as a captain. Chet also served as a Commanding Officer at the Army Armor School at Ft. Knox, KY, where he met his beloved future wife on a blind date. He later worked in labor and human relations at Republic Steel Corp. in Canton, Carborundum Co. in Niagara Falls, BP America Inc. (Sohio) in Cleveland, and at Summit County Children Services in Akron. Chet also served for 15 years as a volunteer at Job Search of Hudson, where he had lived. He was a member of the Ohio State Bar Assoc. and Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church (Akron). Chet also was a member of AA for nearly 27 years. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ruthie, his son Chester C. Dawson III of NY, and daughter-in-law Miyuki (Saito), and daughter Shannon M. Marcum (Dawson) of Akron and son-in-law Todd; sisters Patricia Turner (Dawson) of Blacksburg, VA. and Sharon Hulsebus (Dawson) of Suwanee, GA and brother-in-law Lee; and brother James Dawson of Roanoke, VA.; grandchildren Alyssa, Sean, Sophia, Franklin, Gemma and Mirabelle; and dog Codie. The family will receive friends Friday Nov. 28 at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, 2425 Myersville Rd., from11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the Mass of Christian burial at 1:00 PM. Graveside internment will full military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery will be held at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Army Emergency Relief (www.aerhq.org/) or the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Church. (Anthony & Biscan, 330-899-9790, www.kakfh.com)