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Chester Dawson Obituary
Clarence Dawson Jr.
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., from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the Mass of Christian burial at 1:00 p.m. 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)
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Memories and Condolences
for Chester Dawson
Sponsored by The Marcum Family.
Your daughter
November 23, 2023
Love you Dad. I saw and I felt the last tear that rolled down your cheek. I know this is for me and not for you. You no longer exist.
Charles Learn
September 2, 2012
I am a family friend from Niagara Falls, NY and have trying to make family contact since 2008 PH 1 -716 297-7994 please
Shannon Marcum
January 20, 2011
Love you Dad!
Ruthie
August 3, 2010
I miss you so much, every minute of every day. I miss your laugh, your hugs--I miss all that you are.
August 2, 2010
Miss you alot today Dad. Look forward to seeing you soon. Love you!
Shannon Marcum
November 27, 2009
Dad- It is always a jolt when I type in your name on Ohio.com and your photo pops up along with this obituary. The black and white photo makes it all very real. We love and miss the smallest things about you.
Laurie Estep
November 25, 2009
Chet had a way of being able to brighten any situation. His humor and smiling face are sorely missed.
sophia marcum
March 24, 2009
i love you.
WILLIAM (Bill) ROUSSIE
December 14, 2008
CHET, THE JET was a classmate at Bishop Duffy High School in Niagara Falls, NY. He was very well liked and a friend to all.
As chair of our re-union committee, i heard many humorous stories with Chet as the center.
We were all quite disappointed to find that he would be unable to attend the 50 year re-union in early August of 2008. At that point, we entertained the idea that both he and you, Ruth, would join us at some time where he had overcome his clotting problems.
I can speak on behalf of all the 30+ member of the class in attendance in saying that Chet will be sorely missed in the years to come.
Marsha Woody
December 2, 2008
I was sadden to learn about Chet's sudden passing; I met him when he was part of the "Dream Team" that came to Cleveland from New York, a great man! My sincere sympathy to the family...
Your Brittany Commons Neighbors
December 2, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family during this sad and difficult time. God bless you.
Marilyn Jenkins
December 1, 2008
I remember when Ruthie first brought Chet to Mother's (Louisa's) after they became engaged. Here was this extreemly tall, handsome young man. Back then I found him gracious and charming, and possesing a great sense of humor.. Over the years my opinion never changed. He will be missed by many.
Montrella Jackson
December 1, 2008
Dear Ruth and Family,
Words certainly can not express the sympathy and shock I feel. I worked with Chet at Children Services. He always lightened the office mood with his stories and sense of humor. It was obvious how much he truly loved you all. He often shared pictures of the grandkids. We will miss him.
Doug Wise
December 1, 2008
Chet will be truly missed. He was always cheerful and happy, with a story that always fit the occasion. He made many friends thru his professional HR days, and rarely any that didn't become friends. I share in your grief and pain with the loss.
Sincerly,
Jane & George Pictor
November 30, 2008
Chet was always cheerful, always ready to put a person at ease, make a joke, or tease (had a way of keeping the other one in the dark as to whether he was teasing or serious!). Always thoughtful, asking after others. He loved his doggies so! He was fun to be around, and was so full of knowledge, as well as wisdom, when a question was asked. As so many others have said, he was a good man. We're going to miss all those things about him!
sister- and brother-in-law
Shannie Marcum
November 30, 2008
Happy Birthday Dad! Miss you so much...
Paul Cimmerer
November 30, 2008
Ruth and Family: My deepest sympathy upon the passing of Chet. I worked with Chet back in the Carborundum days in Niagara Falls and had the chance to see him at our periodic reunions over the years. Chet was a giant of a man in size, stature, integrity and heart and had a great sense of humor. I will miss him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dick Tremble
November 30, 2008
Dear Ruth & Family
Eleanore & I were shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Chet. Our years at Carborundum have provided many fond memories. Chet was a class guy both personally and professionally. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chet, Ruthie & Codie
November 29, 2008
Marcie Ford
November 29, 2008
Ruth & Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Chet at CSB, and we were all shocked to hear of his passing. He loved you all very much, and spoke of his grandchildren every chance he got. Stay strong and may god bless you all.
November 29, 2008
What an honorable life your Dear Dad and Husband lived.
Your memories and the love he had for you,
will carry you through these sad times.
Chet was always so kind and caring,
a pleasure to be around.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Love, Chris, Beth, Dominick and Joey Reinart
Marjorie Beachy-Rinehart
November 29, 2008
There are no words to express my most sincere sympathy and sadness at the loss of my dear cousin, Chet. Some of my most cherished memories of childhood are those spent with "Daws", playing in our Grandma's back yard, being in the same class at Sacred Heart, and sharing friends from Duffy and St. Mary's High. Even in our busy adult lives, we managed to keep in touch through family and later, email. I am truly grieved. Margie
scott and sheri marcum
November 28, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Margaret Norris
November 28, 2008
You were a wonderful person, Chet. So glad you married into our family. You leave a loving legacy.
I look forward to our next meeting - there with the Lord.
with love and prayer, Margaret
Dan Marslender
November 28, 2008
Dear Ruth and Family,
I was very saddened to learn of Chet's passing. He was a class A individual. Chet and I worked together at Carborundum and shared many a good laugh over the years. He always seemed to know when to inject his great sense of humor into a situation. He will be missed. You and the family are in my prayers.
Bill Kern
November 28, 2008
Always a smile, always a laugh. Chet lived as we all should live and those of us who knew him are all the better for it. He was a big man in stature, but even bigger in personality. My thoughts and prayers go out at this most difficult time.
Tony Petrosino
November 28, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. What a priviledge it has been to have known Chet, I will miss his stories about Buffalo. If there is anything I can do please call.
Katerina Papas
November 27, 2008
Chet,
It was a pleasure knowing you. I really enjoyed working with you. Your amazing humor made even the most difficult times easier. My condolences to you Ruthie and your family. I feel like you're part of my family hearing Chet talk about all you over the years we worked together. Chet, may god rest your soul. I will miss you very much. Katerina
Jim Harmon
November 27, 2008
Chet, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I really enjoyed the times and conversations I had with your father over the years. I'll always cherish our wonderful memories shared in Wailea.
Wish I was back in Ohio to be with you and your Mom...
Jim and Kim Harmon
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