Matthew J. Dawson

Matthew J. Dawson, 43, of East Templeton, died Wednesday August 12, 2015 after being stricken ill. Matthew was born in Columbus, Ohio son of Barbara (Krompolcas) Lucas, and the late William A. Dawson, and has lived in East Templeton most of his life. Matthew is a proud United States Navy Veteran serving in the Persian Gulf War. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, South West Asia Service medal with a Bronze star, the Navy "E" Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star, the armed forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Matthew worked as a landscaper for Allan Lawn and Order and as a cook for the Heywood Wakefield Commons. Matthew was a long time member of the Ovila Case Post 905 VFW of Gardner, the LT. Roger P. Warfield Post 373 American Legion of Baldwinville, Templeton Fish and Gun, and the Lithuanian Outing Association of Gardner. He enjoyed kayaking, working on cars, and cooking. Matthew enjoyed helping others, but most of all he enjoyed and loved his sons the most. Matthew will be missed by his mother Barbara (Krompolcas) Lucas and her husband Jack Lucas of East Templeton, two sons; Michael and Lucas Dawson of Goose Creek, SC, one brother; Christopher Dawson of Seattle, WA, step-brother; Mark Lucas and his wife Virginia of Gardner, step-sister Lynda Urban Lucas of Columbus, OH, and several nieces and nephews. Military honors will be held in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon, on Monday, August 24 beginning at 10AM. There are no calling hours. To sign the online guestbook for Matthew please visit our website at www.fletcherfuneral.com. The Lamoureux Fletcher and Smith Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is assisting the family with the arrangements.