CLYDE LEWIS DAWSON

CLYDE LEWIS DAWSON, , 85, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2014, at Signature Health Care of Muncie. Born Aug. 10, 1928, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of James William and Hazel E. (Trop) Dawson. Clyde graduated from Fort Wayne Central High School and served a short time in the U.S. Air Force. He married Hester Maxine Youse on Oct. 7, 1950 and they moved to Delaware County in 1973. Clyde worked over 50 years in the food business, having started in a corner grocery store in Fort Wayne. He was a 36 year veteran of Marsh Supermarkets, Inc., retiring the first time in November of 1994 and then again in November of 1995. His early career was spent mostly in retail meat departments in Indiana and Ohio, until 1955, when he and three others began operating the Zeimmer Packing Co. in Harlan, Ind. He joined Marsh in 1959 and managed meat departments in Indiana and Ohio, until he was promoted to store manager in February of 1964. Clyde held several corporate management positions including: Cash Auditor, Director of Research and Development, Director of Front End Systems Training and Information, Director of Special Projects and Trade Relations, Director of International Development and Vice President of International Development. In 1974, he directed Marsh's engineering test of the world's first UPC scanning system. He was a recognized expert of the Universal Product Code and for years was sought after for his views on information utilization and equipment installation. Clyde worked in India over a 19-month period and was responsible for assisting and directing the opening of a modern supermarket chain that took place in 1993 in New Delhi. In conjunction with the store's opening, a distribution center and corporate office was also place in operation. Clyde was a board member of the Indiana Retail Grocer's Association, serving as regional Vice Chairman and chairman of various other committees. In 1979, the IRGA bestowed the title "Ambassador at Large" for the retail grocers of Indiana, only the second time the award was given in the history of the Association. He was also a member of the Task Force of the Midwest Grocer's Trade Show, having served continuously for 17 years. He was Trade Show Chairman in 1979 and had served as chairman of all committees at one time or another. In 1986, while a drought was taking place in the southeastern U.S., he recruited and organized a group of volunteers (The Hoosier Hay Haulers) to locate and deliver hay to those in need. Later Lt. Governor John Mutz appointed him Honorary Commissioner of Agriculture for Indiana for his and the other volunteer's efforts. In July of 1987, Marsh was presented a Presidential Citation for its support of the Hoosier Hay Haulers. Clyde accepted the Citation on behalf of Marsh at a ceremony held at the White House. Cornell University had presented him with two honor awards for his participation in the Food Business Home Study Courses. He had served in various capacities in support of the Boy Scouts of America on both local and regional levels. He chaired the first "Scouting for Food" program in Indiana. His volunteer work had included The Red Cross, Junior Achievement and The United Way. He also served as Underwriter Chairman for the WIPB (PBS) Telesale and served two years as Senior Vice Chairman of Marion County Youth Partners 2000 Job Net (a summer placement program for under privileged youths). Clyde was a member of Gethsemane United Methodist Church, where he served as a volunteer; Fort Wayne Home Lodge, F & A.M.; Fort Wayne Chapter, R.A.M.; Fort Wayne Council R & S.M.; and Fort Wayne Commandery, K.T. Survivors include one son, Clyde (Beth) Dawson II; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 63 years, Hester Maxine Dawson on May 19, 2014; five brothers; and two sisters. Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2014, at Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, with a Masonic service is 1 p.m. Friends are invited to share in a celebration of Clyde's life. The Reverend Vickie Perkins officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to Animal Rescue Fund (ARF), 1209 W. Riggin Road, Muncie, IN 47303. Arrangements by Meeks Mortuary & Crematory, Washington Street Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com