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Robert Dawson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Dawson
Quinn
February 21, 2025
I know we never met but my mom said you would have loved me. Kate had 2 twin daughters my names Quinn and my sister is Ella. I would have loved to meet you. Your ex wife(my granny),my mom, and my grandpa(granny´s husband) talk very fondly of you. Your work in law has inspired me to go into law/politics. Anyways I love you.
Jay Monkerud
March 31, 2005
Thank you to Dr. Dawson's family for sharing him with the juvenile justice profession in Texas all of this years. My deepest sympathy and god bless.
Cynthia Hill
March 16, 2005
My sympathies and prayers to the Dawson family. I know it was a difficult lost, but the pain only lasts a short time. Then, we remember the joy, knowledge, and all of his wonderful unconditional giving that Professor Dawson bestowed on his students, and other professional colleagues. I will miss Professor Dawson. Again, my sympathies to his family.
Charlotte Colbert
March 9, 2005
My deepest sympathies to Dr. Dawson's family. I spent quite a bit of time with Jan riding horses a few years ago, and was saddened to read of Dr. Dawson's passing.
Margaret Mitchell
March 9, 2005
Professor Dawson was my "hero", he was brilliant and I so admired his down-to-earth attitude. May we meet again. MMMMMMMMMM:)
Jerry Everett Davenport
March 9, 2005
Texas Juvenile Probation and Dr. Dawson are inseparable. Dr. Dawson has been a beacon to juvenile professionals at all levels helping navigate through a labyrinth of juvenile law. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Condolences to the family during their time of grief.
God Bless
JD
Judge Juan Antonio Guevara
March 8, 2005
We have truely lost a Legacy in the juvenile system. God Bless
Investigator Rodney Bergeron, Irving PD
March 8, 2005
Dr. Dawson will be greatly missed. He always quickly responded to questions posed by a police officer assigned to the youth unit. I now have a better understanding of the purpose and function of the Juvenile Justice Code. Thanks to Dr. Dawson, countless Police officers throughout the state are, undoubtably, handling juvenile offenders in a more efficient manner. I am one of them. My thoughts and prayers are with the immediate and extended family of Dr. Dawson. No one can replace him.
Falls, Milam, Robertson Counties Juvenile Probation Dept.
March 8, 2005
With sincere sympathy. Dr. Dawson will be greatly missed.
Ben Brister
March 8, 2005
I am currently a Juvenile Probation Officer in Texas and when I first heard the news that Dr. Dawson had passed away my first thought was, "Oh no what do we do now" because when I first started working in this field I heard of Dr. Dawson almost immediately. I have heard him speak on many occassions and have spoken with him face to face on several occassions. He was a wonderful speaker and always had the answer. He will be missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Vince Herdman
March 7, 2005
I appreciate the opportunities that were given me to spend time and learn from Professor Dawson. We shared a great number of communications over the years; most of them involving questions derived from day to day work scenarios. He was never too busy to respond and was always willing to lead people to what was not only legally correct but most of all what was “the right thing to do” in a given situation. He was a true champion for the rights of children and will be truly missed by all who were privileged to know him.
Steven Minch
March 5, 2005
Dr. Dawson contributed so much. He will be missed. Jackson County Juvenile Probation Department.
NOLA HARRIS - JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER, GONZALES COUNTY
March 4, 2005
I will remember Dr. Dawson as "A man that examplified the meaning of works." My prayer is that God will continue to bless this family. When in your darkest hour always look to the hills from whence your help. Dr. Dawson will be greatly missed by all. When you need comfort always remember Paul as he writes to Timothy expressing not only his last days but his last charge as well: For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
(2 Tim 4:6-8 KJV)
Melissa Weiss
March 4, 2005
Not long after beginning my career in Juvenile Probation, I quickly learned the name of PROFESSOR ROBERT O. DAWSON. His famous "Texas Juvenile Law" editions became my office Bibles. Upon attending one of the juvenile conferences, I was exposed to the infamous "THE PROFESSOR ROBERT O. DAWSON" in person. I remember my first instinct was to salute him! I thought of him as a GENERAL!!! ONE WHO NEVER FALTERED IN HIS SEEMINGLY TIRELESS JOURNEY OF LEADING HIS SOLDIERS THROUGH THE ARENA OF JUVENILE LAW. I was in awe of a man whom I had never met, but held in the highest regard. One quickly learned he was an exemplary man who worked and walked among common men. He never placed himself above us, always taking his time for us....even to the point of answering his own office phone!!! May his torch forever shine in all he has passed on to us to continue the work to be done. We salute you, PROFESSOR DAWSON. Eternal rest for which you are so deserving of.
Austin County Juvenile Probation
March 4, 2005
A tribute to Professor Dawson:
AN EXCERPT FROM "THE BRIDGE BUILDER".....
"Why build a bridge at eveningtide?" And the builder raised his old gray head, "Good friend, on the path I have come," he said, "There followeth after me today a Youth whose feet will pass this way. This stream, which has been naught to me, to that fair-haired boy may a pitfall be; He, too, must cross in the twilight dim, Good friend, I am building this bridge for him." -Anon
March 4, 2005
Johnson County Juvenile Probation Department.
Charly Skaggs
March 4, 2005
Bob Dawson was a friend to the Juvenile Probation Community. We were always amazed that we could pick up the phone to call him and he answered the phone. He was never too busy to talk to a probation officer, chief or judge. He treated everyone with equal importance. The field will miss him dearly. He will be remembered for what he did and the difference he made to others.
His shoes may just be too big to fill. Bob Dawson was one of a kind. We are all better for knowing him. He touched us all.
Charly Skaggs and the Staff of the Williamson County Juvenile Services Department
Gary Koester
March 3, 2005
77th Juvenile Probation District Limestone/Freestone
Ryan Turner
March 3, 2005
Bob Dawson was one of a kind. His contribution to the law will long be remembered as his public legacy. Too often academics sit in their "ivory towers" and profess to their pupils. Bob Dawson not only taught law, he helped make law. On the way he trully helped students of the law (regardless of where they went to law school) become better lawyers and better people. I count myself lucky to have worked with him and to call him a friend. Bob understood that the law was not made in the classroom. He not only understood the legal process, he understood that it was the people "in the field" who had the greatest chance to effectuate change in the legal system - from the ground up. Sure, he knew influential people, but Bob Dawson (unlike many in his profession) prided himself on working with the people who made the system work (often with little recognition or thanks). I thank the Lord for Bob and keep Jan and his entire family in prayers.
Ron Quirs
March 3, 2005
Dr. Dawson, greatness and wonderment are bestowed on a man who taught so many so much. The State of Texas mourns.
Russell Weintraub
March 3, 2005
Bob was a dear friend and valued advisor. When I needed his help he gave it fully. I remember fondly the tennis games that we played for several years after he first arrived in Austin.
Edie Shugart
March 3, 2005
"... and all the town did wonder, just how good can a good man be to be half as good as he."
On Earth as it is in Heaven, on Earth as it is in Texas.
In loving memory, Edie and Dave Shugart
Bruce J. Wilson
March 3, 2005
My condolences to the family of Robert Dawson.
Dr. Dawson's presence to a group or to me individually about juvenile justice law has been a continued inspiration for my dedication to the profession.
MEDINA COUNTY JUVENILE PROBATION
March 2, 2005
THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS HAS LOST A GREAT MAN. WE WILL BE FOREVER THANKFUL FOR HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY.
Kenneth Martindale
March 2, 2005
31st Judicial District Juvenile Probation Department
March 2, 2005
Montgomery County Juvenile Probation (Conroe, Texas)
Vicki Spriggs
March 2, 2005
How do you express the loss of a giant among men? Do you discuss Bob's commitment to justice that he demostrated time and time again? Do you discuss how he used his vast intelligence and wit to break the law down into everyday english in order for everyone to understand it? Or, do you focus on the commitment and dedication Bob exemplified everytime he responded to a call from the juvenile justice community when his interpretation was needed or his time was needed to participate in drafting legislation or speaking at a conference. Maybe you focus on the tremendous strength, passion and commitment he demonstrated to the end. I don't know the answer to this so I will focus on the bright light Bob was to the field of juvenile justice for this state and this nation and to the qualitative difference he made wherever he was. Bob, you are the foundation we in juvenile probation stand on. You are a part of us always.
Lisa Capers
March 1, 2005
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Professor Dawson's journey in this life has ended but his legacy and memory will live in our hearts forever.
Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers are sent to Jan, Kate and all the family Professor Dawson loved so dearly. Our lives are richer for knowing Professor Dawson, we love him and we will miss him more than words can express. We are blessed to have been able to share in his life and call him "friend".
Alfonso Tobias
March 1, 2005
On behalf of the La Salle County Juvenile Probation Department and Juvenile Board, I would like to send my dearest condolences to Dr. Dawson's family and closest friends. He truly was and will always be a pioneer in the field of Juvenile Justice.
Respectfully,
Alfons o P. Tobias - Chief
La Salle County Juvenile Probation Department
Joseph A. McCormick
March 1, 2005
God bless this man who taught us so much. He will be missed in the state of Texas and now we have a void that may never be filled.
Linda Gaitan & Melissa Miller
March 1, 2005
All our prayers and sympathy to the Dawson family. Thank you Dr. Dawson for touching our lives and profession. There will never be another.
John Dzienkowski
March 1, 2005
It is a very sad day to walk into the law school and to see Bob Dawson¡¦s door at the top of the stairs closed and dark. For decades, Bob lived his life to make things right in society. He gave so much of his time to his colleagues, his students, to the Texas legislature, and to society. Bob did so without any expectation of remuneration or accolades, but because it was the right thing to do. So many of us leaned on him and learned from him. Bob¡¦s door was always open; his mind was always so sharp and his voice was confident, without the slightest hint of arrogance. Such an attitude is so hard to find in so many young lawyers and scholars. There will never be another Bob Dawson. In particular, we will never forget how he chose at the end of his life to spend his final days with his students and colleagues at the law school. Doing the things he loved so much: Teaching, smiling, and telling stories. May each of his who were touched by his heart and mind carry forward his goal in life; making things right for a better society because we care.
Jim Bryce
February 28, 2005
Bob Dawson began his career as a professor at the University of Texas School of Law the year I entered. He was instrumental in creating the Juvenile Justice Project; I was a student intern in its first year. All of us then in the Project were fortunate to take his very first course in juvenile justice. I distinctly remember his piloting a Cessna that carried us around to various criminal and juvenile justice sites throughout Texas.
Over the years I've dropped by the law school to visit him. I last saw him three or four months ago and was anticipating seeing him again this week. I sent him an invitation to a function of the Council on At-Risk Youth. I'd planned to call him February 28 to discuss it and ask him to serve on our board. He and I had talked about his being on the board or an advisor to CARY several months ago. The organization and many others exist because of his influence on countless students and others encouraging each to find more just and better solutions to problems in juvenile and criminal justice.
I and countless others miss Bob Dawson. His life and work leave an indelible positive mark on the law and society of Texas and elsewhere. We are all much better off for everything he has done.
Jim Bryce -- UT Law School Class of 1970
John Port
February 28, 2005
Shocked, dismayed and saddened to hear today of Bob's death. I was a roommate of his at the University of Missouri in the late 1950s and was awed by his intellect then. No surprise to me that his career took him to such heights. A giant in his field and through all the years a kind friend to me. Patsy and I will miss him and we send our sincere condolences to Jan and the rest of his family.
Phil and Sally Beers
February 28, 2005
We only knew Prof. Dawson through his dear daughter Kate. We extend our deep sympathy to Kate and all the Dawson family. It is easy to see in reading about Bob Dawson that he was a beloved teacher and brilliant lawyer who used his gifts to serve others. God bless him.
Kirk Wolfe
February 28, 2005
Dr.Dawson was a man of great humor. I often use a quote from him. "Why do judges wear robes? For probation officers to hide behind". He was one of a kind.
Bob Brotherton
February 28, 2005
As a UT Law grad, a district judge and the Past Chairman of the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, I have depended on Professor Dawson's wisdom and expertise for many years. His passing will leave a void in the juvenile justice field that will be difficult to fill.
Pama Hencerling
February 28, 2005
Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. Dawson. He will be greatly missed! Legislative updates will not be the same without him.
Judy Fulmer-Madewell
February 28, 2005
Professor Dawson touched so many lives, including mine. My condolences to his family.
Maxine Longoria
February 28, 2005
Professor Dawson will be greatly missed by those of us who have been lucky enough to call him a friend. He was an inspiration for me and has made me proud to be part of the growing field of juvenile justice. He never failed to bring a smile to my face and make me laugh.
Penny Grochow
February 28, 2005
Dr. Dawson taught juvenile law to every new class of Juvenile Probation Officers at the Texas Probation Training Academy in Texas for as long as I can remember. He was dedicated to giving each of these new officers the best of himself so they would know why juvenile justice should be their passion. My life has been so enriched by his friendship. My deepest sympathy goes to the family - he will be missed by everyone he touched!
Mel Brown
February 28, 2005
What instantly comes to mind when I think of Bob Dawson are friendship, humilty, and a sense of humor combined with a brillent mind.
I don't think Bob every realized that he was THE Robert O. Dawson who was an expert in juvenile law and an individual who had a tremendous impact on so many people. He thought of himself as just "Bob."
Those of us who knew him were better because of our relationship with him and his death leaves a unfillable void, not only in the profession, but in the hearts of those of us who were lucky enough to have encountered him in our journey through life.
I will miss him as a resource to the profession, as a person with whom I enjoyed trading friendly barbs and as a model to be emulated.
David Pritchard
February 28, 2005
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Bob. As tenants of the house by the river, Bob and Jan were the best landlords you could have and were two of the friendliest people you could meet.
God Bless.
Judge Laura Weiser
February 28, 2005
What will we do without Dr. Dawson? He has been the linchpin of juvenile justice in Texas for many, many years. He was a rare combination of intelligence, integrity and great humor and wit. He will be sorely missed by so many.
Fred Rangel
February 28, 2005
Our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Dawson on behalf of the Texas Probation Association whose members were so enriched by his knowledge of juvenile justice and his warm and helpful disposition.
Fred Rangel, President
Texas Probation Association
Jim Heidelberg
February 28, 2005
I read the news of Bob Dawson's death with anguish and sadness.He was there for me in the hot Austin summer of 1969 when I wrote a paper for him to conclude my graduation requirements at the Law School. Later he provided insight and direction when I filed an "all writs" application to the Supreme Court to seek fairness for a TDC inmate who had his parole revoked without a hearing.He will be sorely missed. My thoughts will be with the family.
Therold Farmer
February 27, 2005
What a loss to the legal profession, to UT, to criminal jurisprudence in Texas and the nation, to juvenile law, to Jan (I was your classmate), to all Bob's family, and to an entire generation of lawyers who loved him as a gently demanding teacher. What a rare combination he possessed of intellectual rigor, high energy, human understanding, generosity of spirit, and great humility . . . combined into one person.
We are extremely fortunate to have known you, Professor.
Bob Lynch
February 27, 2005
I was 6 years behind Bob Dawson and my older brother was 3 years behind him in school in the little town of Vandalia, Mo.
But we all knew of this young man who was already respected by adults as well as his peers. We knew that, given a chance, Bob Dawson was going to live a big and valuable life.
How terrific that he had that chance and embraced it.
Bob Lynch, MD, PhD
Pat Garza
February 27, 2005
Our condolences to Jan and all the family. Professor Dawson was the foundation of Texas Juvenile Law and all that that incompasses. He was admired, respected, and most of all was our leader in the Juvenile Community. The people, and more importantly, the children of Texas, along with you, have suffered a great loss. Our prayers are with you.
Pat and Norma Garza
Janis Herd
February 27, 2005
He was a unique law professor, humane and humorous as well as extremely bright, and I will never forget him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Polly Husted
February 27, 2005
A stunning man of principle, integrity and honor, it was a privilege to work under his strong and gentle guidance for 27 years. He is sorely missed by us all.
Dan Beto
February 27, 2005
Bob Dawson was a giant in matters relating to juvenile justice. He willingly gave of his time and talents to advance our system of justice. He will be sorely missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.
Linda Kimball
February 27, 2005
Sending our sincere and heartfelt condolonces for your loss. John and I will be thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow.
John and Linda Kimball
Jackie Kelly
February 27, 2005
He was a wonderful man and a wonderful teacher.
Patsy Kimball
February 27, 2005
As my neighbor and friend, Bob always remained gracious and genuine. His wife, his family, his friends, the University of Texas Law Department, and the law profession in general will miss his love, guidance, knowledge, wisdom, and spirit of generosity and concern.
A Fentress friend,
Patsy Kimball
Reva Towslee Corbett
February 27, 2005
I wish to extend my condolences and prayers to Professor Dawson's family at this time. I also want to tell you all what a privilege it was to hear him speak at the Juvenile Law Conferences. The rights of the children of Texas have been protected by this great man and I cannot begin to recall all the things that I have learned from him over the years. He was a true champion for those who did not have a voice and a great mentor to all of us who were intrusted to enforce the law. I will personally miss him and feel privileged to have known such a great man.
Sincerely,
Reva Towslee Corbett
335th District Court Judge
(Former Brazos County Juvenile Referee)
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