DAWES, Preston The soul of Preston Dawes, beloved husband of Lorna Dawes, took flight on December 30, 2016. His life work and spirit will continue to influence those who had the opportunity to know him well. Even after dementia invaded his brilliant mind in recent years, he retained his thoughtful appreciation for the mysteries of the universe, pondering what might lie beyond this planet as we know it. Preston's love for classical music and theatre never diminished, nor did his recognition of Lorna, their family and friends. Preston was born in New York City in 1934 and raised in upstate New York with his brother, Ron, and sister, Diana. He was educated at Hamilton College and Princeton Theological Seminary. Preston was a life long learner who focused on the significance of each person's life experience. He considered simple answers to complex questions to be a trivialization of the faith to which he was committed. His intellectual curiosity and sensitivity to others led him to create meaningful paths to educate and inspire those he served. He was a dedicated, progressive advocate for human rights and inclusion, honoring those of all walks of life, origins, orientations and creeds. His career included civil rights activism, human services and community leadership, pastorates, leadership at the national level of the Presbyterian Church USA, and service as an interim ministry specialist in the Cincinnati and Miami (Dayton) Presbyteries. Preston's memory will be honored by his sons and their spouses, Mark and Nancy, Timothy and Lisa, David and Patty, Lorna's children, Scot Anderson and his wife, Marcia, Laura Anderson Jett, and the grandchildren Pres adored, Stephanie Dawes and her husband, Patrick Metz, Sam, Jack and Olivia Dawes, and Rebekah Jett. Preston would be pleased by donations in his memory to The Muse Machine, The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton Public Radio, or The Wright State University Foundation. A celebration of Preston's life will be scheduled for a future time, when family and devoted friends from afar can join those nearby. Lorna extends her appreciation for the loving professional care that she and Preston received from Dr. Sherry Wheaton, Dr. Barry Taylor, Graceworks at Home, Brookdale of Oakwood, and Hospice of Dayton.

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Published by Dayton Daily News on Jan. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Preston DAWES

Sponsored by Glickler Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

12 Entries

Larry Rosen

June 10, 2020

This is written for those who knew Preston and those who know his legacy. Preston was a visionary who really understood what was and is needed to heal our communities.
I worked for Preston in the early 1070s when her created South Montgomery Youth Services. We worked with schools and police to respond to families in distress. Our work with police is now being called for by so many people in 2020. We were counselors called in by police to work with domestic violence, suicide prevention, runaways and Deescalation. Preston is needed today.

Joellen Waddle

March 29, 2018

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Preston Dawes. I worked with him in 2003 at Indian Hill Church. I was the custodian there, and he always treated me with a kindness I can never forget. He made me feel just as important to the church as anyone else. The first time we had a conversation, he could tell I was nervous. He asked if I was intimidated by him in some way, and when I said yes, he asked why. I said, Because you're so tall! We laughed and laughed, and became such good friends from the moment on. I cried when his interim was up and he had to leave the church. He was always so happy and such a light. I will never forget him. I am so lucky to have known him.

Nick and Anna Gough

January 14, 2017

We were unaware of the death of this wonderful man. He was a light in the world, a beacon. He will be remembered by everyone whom he touched, with love. Our deepest sympathy to Lorna, one of the dearest and gracious people we know.

Barb Saunders Kuykendall

January 10, 2017

Rev. Dawes had a profound and lifelong effect on my life. I will always treasure the memories of my time as a youth at First Presbyterian Church in Marion, Ohio.

Rose Stephens

January 10, 2017

Lorna, sending hugs and prayers to all! Thanks for sharing Preston with us at LPC. He was truly an amazing man!!

Joyce Young

January 7, 2017

Lorna, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope that the many good memories you have of your years together will give you some comfort. it was always a pleasure to talk with Pres. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Joyce\

Barbara Layne

January 6, 2017

Preston was a kind man who served in many capacities for many organizations. I was happy to support Preston as a President of the Riverdale Optimist Club. And, his weekly prayers inspired us to be better Optimists and better people. Our sincere condolences on his loss to this world but Heaven has gained a good man. Barbara Layne, Riverdale Optimists

Linda Vaccariello

January 6, 2017

Lorna, I have many lovely memories of Preston when he served as interim pastor at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church. I am so grateful we got to know both of you then.

Michael Stoff

January 6, 2017

Lorna,
I'm so sorry to hear about Pres... Though I'm sure you're comforted by the wonderful years you've spent together. Whenever I would see the two of you - it always seemed like a perfect fit. Most people can't say that. I think you've both been very blessed...

Don & Mary Jane Kalkis

January 5, 2017

Sincerest condolences to Lorna and family.
We will always have very special and wonderful memories of Pres.
Don & Mary Jane Kalkis

JoAnn Graybill

January 5, 2017

So glad that Pres was part of our lives. Love to Lorna and his family.

Marsha Pippenger

January 5, 2017

Such a delightful man. My love and condolences to Lorna and family.

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