RICHARD DAWSON

RICHARD DAWSON 06/14/1942 - 10/10/2025 Richard Earl Dawson, 83, of Tecumseh, Okla., passed away on October 10, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, son and brother. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Linda Dawson, his daughter Beth Gage and his son Rick Dawson. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Erin and Ella Gage and Jake Dawson; his sister Donna Sammons and nephew Paul Sammons; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Lynn Dawson, father Lawrence Henry (Bud) Dawson, first wife, Phyllis Flowers Dawson and nephew Dennis Richard Sammons. He was born on June 14, 1942 in Wichita Falls, Texas, the son of Lawrence Henry (Bud) and Lynn Dawson. Richard was raised in Henrietta, Texas, and graduated salutatorian of his class. He then attended and graduated from Texas Tech University, moved to Oklahoma with his first wife Phyllis and began a career at Tinker Air Force base where he worked for a number of years. He followed that with a long stint at the Federal Aviation Administration before retiring in 2001 after a long and respected career. While employed at Tinker he completed his Masters in Electrical Engineering. Ever the engineer, Richard was always building something. He loved being on his farm and growing wheat and watching the sunset. He had a passion for the early American frontier. His love of nature and animals was a consistent thread throughout his life. Richard was a devoted member of Bethel United Methodist Church and is well known for his service to his community throughout his life. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2025, and continue through service time. Services will be 10 a.m., Friday, October 17, 2025, at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jessica Higgins, Bethel United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethel United Methodist Church in Bethel Acres. To share memories or to sign the guestbook online, go to www.cooperfuneral.com.