Gerthen Lucien Dawson, Jr.

Gerthen Lucien Dawson, Jr., born on December 28, 1931, in Lynn, Arkansas, to the late Gerthen Lucien Dawson, Sr. and Eulah Morgan Dawson, passed away on November 7, 2025.

Gerthen grew up full of energy and mischief, always known for his rambunctious spirit. His love for sports began early and carried through his life. He played basketball and baseball throughout junior and senior high school, becoming well known for his athletic talent and competitive spirit. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers right out of high school and went on to pitch for the Durham Bulls in 1951–1952 as a left-handed pitcher who batted right-handed—a combination that earned him the nickname “Lefty Luke.”

In 1952, Gerthen was drafted into the United States Army, serving proudly until 1954. During his time in service, he was stationed in Alaska and then Cuba. Never one to sit still for long, Gerthen also found time to represent the Army, Air Force, and local town teams on the baseball field. He served in the Korean War as a member of the 502nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. His courage, humor, and dedication left a lasting impression on all who served alongside him.

After his military service, Gerthen’s life took a turn toward love. While working as a gas station attendant in St. Louis, he met the love of his life, thanks to a blind date arranged by his cousin, Billy Jo Dawson. That date began a lifelong partnership filled with laughter, devotion, and faith. On January 23, 1957, Gerthen married his beloved wife, Martha, in Mississippi, and together they built a beautiful life. The couple made their first home in St. Louis, where they welcomed their first son, Stewart Lucien. Later, they moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Gerthen worked for Dupont and continued to build a strong foundation for his growing family. There, they welcomed three more children: Mark William, G.L. Dawson III, and Stacey Rebekah.

Gerthen’s life was one of integrity, hard work, and joy. Whether on the field, serving his country, or raising his children, he brought energy, humor, and a deep love for family into everything he did. He was known for his love for Jesus and sharing his faith often using tracts to spread the good news of the Gospel.

In addition to his parents, Gerthen was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Dawson; grandchildren, Benjamin, Nathaniel and Grace; and brother, Jennings Dawson.

His memory will forever be treasured by his children, Stewart Dawson (Alicia) of Memphis, Tennessee, Mark Dawson (Liz) of Memphis, Tennessee, G.L. Dawson, III (Amy) of Warner Robins, and Stacey Francis (Scott) of Prescott, Michigan; and grandchildren, Colette Dawson. Christi Strawbridge, Sloan Dawson, Jake Halford, Kayleigh Halford, Nick Dawson (Mary Ruth), Blake Dawson (Melissa), Chandler Dawson (Taylor), Cameron Dean Francis (Shyann), and Carlee Francis.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Milledgeville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Gerthen Dawson, Jr. to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews by visiting https://www.ifcj.org/ .

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.