Robert Leo Dawes

Robert Leo Dawes peacefully went home to the Lord on July 15, 2025.
Bob is reunited with his "bride", Marie who preceded him in death along with his parents, Lawrence and Gertrude, brother Larry "Herk" and sister in law, Nancy. He is survived by his children: Bobby (Kelly) Dawes, Mary Beth (Tim) Culbertson, Bill (Lisa) Dawes, Becky (Mike) Cummins. Bob will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren whom he provided constant support and guidance: Katie (John) Gibboney, Sarah and Abby Dawes, Cody (Theresa), Kelly (Mallory) and Carly Culbertson, Dr. Alex and Nicholas Dawes, Anne Marie (Eric) Futscher, Maureen and Michael Gavin Cummins as well has his 8 great-grandchildren, Noa, Callen, Harlen, and Carmen Culbertson, John Joseph, Gabriel, and Margaret Marie Gibboney, and Lennon Culbertson.
Bob was known for his unwavering faith, gratitude, and endless positivity. Bob took interest in all people and had a sincere ability to make them feel valued. Born in 1937 in Pittsburgh, Bob attended St. Bernard and Mt. Lebanon High School where he served as an altar boy until his senior year in high school. Because Bob became fatherless at a young age, he relied on and credited the support of his Uncle David Lawrence, cousin Anna Mae Donohue, and his brother Herk, as well as leaders in the school and parish of St. Bernard for his strong faith and work ethic.
Bob was a proud graduate of Mount St. Mary's University (1960) where he received his degree in Accounting and met the love of his life, Marie on a blind date. After graduation Bob enlisted in the PA Air National Guard and served honorably for 6 years. At the same time, Bob joined The Ford Motor Company, a company he valiantly represented his entire career.
Bob began in sales and marketing and eventually became a field manager. In 1967 with Marie and his children in tow, Bob was transferred to the home office in Detroit, Michigan where he connected with Boyd Fackler. While both Bob and Boyd had exciting opportunities to grow with Ford, they decided instead to enter the Dealer Development program and eventually opened Bob-Boyd LIncoln Mercury in Columbus, OH in 1970. Bob and Boyd spent a lifetime as partners and friends as they went on to successfully acquire other franchises and have one of the longest domestic partnerships in the automotive industry. In 1992, Bob was voted the Chairman of Lincoln Mercury National Dealer Council. After a successful transition of their business to his children, Bob retired at the age of 70. Soon after, he was the keynote speaker at the 2015 Ohio Dominican University Fall commencement and was awarded an honorary degree. In his commencement address he shared the three keys to a successful life: live in truth, have a plan, and give until it hurts.
Bob had many hobbies over the years including cheering for his beloved Steelers, the Ohio State Buckeyes, anything his children or grandchildren competed in, photography, playing the piano, and all things Irish. He was an avid runner having completed the Columbus Marathon, played squash, tennis, and golf competitively as a former member of The Athletic Club of Columbus and a "charter" member of New Albany Country Club, highlighted by winning the member guest with his brother, Herk in 2003. Both Bob and Marie had a great love of the beach and spent many years creating memories at their home on Hilton Head Island and the annual family vacation of 29 years on Kiawah Island, SC.
Bob knew he was called to serve God and others and he did so willingly and with the same passion that he applied to his work and home life. Bob served on the school board at both Bishop Ready and the Diocese of Columbus. He was an honorable member of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, (an organization that prayerfully and financially supports the Holy Land) he was also a 30 year member of the Catholic Foundation where he served as both Vice President and President.
Bob was an active member of The Church of the Resurrection in New Albany where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, on the Finance Committee, and co-chaired the Advanced Gift Drive for the opening of the new church in 2003. Bob and Marie were Miter Club members, chairs of the Bishop's Annual Appeal and The Catholic Schools Gala to benefit Catholic charities, parishes, and schools in the greater Columbus Area.
Bob was driven by his faith and work ethic; he was motivated to positively serve others in any capacity. His contagious smile and generous spirit touched countless lives and will be missed by those who loved him, especially his family whom he adored, supported, and held to the same high standard that he held himself. His legacy will live on through his strong, devoted family which along with Marie he always made a top priority. Bob carefully implanted his wisdom onto those he loved and will be remembered for his positive mindset, daily practice of gratitude, giving back, serving others, and tremendous faith in God. While our hearts are heavy, we find strength in knowing he is resting in the arms of God and dancing with his bride once again.
Our deepest appreciation to the all the staff at Wesley Woods in New Albany for their friendship, care and love for Bob, especially over the last year, as well as his amazing Cardiac team at Mount Carmel who served him well and became his friends over the years!
Please join us as we celebrate Bob's blessed life:
Visitation will be Monday July 21 from 3-6 pm - Rosary beginning at 6 pm at the Church of the Resurrection New Albany, OH where his Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Bob and Marie Dawes Endowment Fund for Catholic Education c/o The Catholic Foundation 257 E. Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215.