Steven M. Dawson

Maj. Steven M. Dawson, USMC Ret., was born November 2, 1951 in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from Bethel High School in Graham, where he ran track and played football, setting several records. He attended Olympic Junior College and Eastern Washington University, where he also played football. After graduating from college, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He would serve a total of 21 years for his country, earning the rank of Major and serving during the first Desert Storm.
Steve was the embodiment of the Marine Corps Motto "Semper Fidelis" or "Always Faithful."
Faithful to his wife - Although Steve's first marriage to the mother of his children, Linda, ended, he maintained a friendly relationship with her that blessed his daughters and grandchildren. Many holidays and special occasions were spent as a blended family. He married his true love, Heather Spaite, in 1996. In spite of the fact that, as a Lt. Col. in the United States Army, she technically outranked him, they had 28 happy years together. They enjoyed traveling, bowling, spending time with friends, spoiling their grandchildren, and serving in leadership posts together at American Legion Post 118.
Faithful to his children and grandchildren - in spite of being a tough-as-nails Marine, Steve was a loving and devoted dad to his 2 daughters, Lina and DeAnna. He taught his girls about cars, self-defense, took them camping and taught them how to shoot. As a grandparent, he attended every event possible. He was present at nearly all softball, baseball, and basketball games, and attended as many track and gymnastics meets as possible. Sometimes it meant spending hours in the car to get there, other times it meant flying to another state. His grandchildren knew "Papa" was their biggest fan.
Steven was preceded to Heaven by his parents Wynona and Robert Dawson, his grandson Ian Peppers, son-in-law Jason Coambes, and beloved nephew Jared Cornell. He will be greatly missed by his wife Heather Spaite, daughters Lina Coambes and DeAnna Peppers, son-in-law Jeremy Peppers, grandchildren Mychaella and husband Patrick Britt, Annjeanette and Cassidy Coambes, Colton and Avery Peppers, sister Nonalee Cornell, brother-in-law David Cornell, nephews Anthony and Bryant Cornell, and mother-in-law Joan Spaite.
The family invites you to a graveside service for Maj. Dawson to be held at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery, Monday June 24th, 2024 at 12:30 pm. He will receive full military honors. A celebration of life will follow at American Legion Post 15 Memorial Hall.
Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery - 18600 SE 240th St, Kent WA, 98042
American Legion Post 15 Memorial Hall - 25405 97th Pl S, Kent WA, 98030