William T. Hutton

1937 - 2025

William T. Hutton
10/30/2025
C. Richard "Dick" Dawson died on October 20, 2025, after a short illness. He was 88 years old.
Born on July 31, 1937 to Ralph and Ruth (Wise) Dawson, Dick grew up with his three siblings on the family's dairy in Escalon, and later on the family's walnut farm in Escalon. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Erma Jeanne Barton, Pauline Napier, and brother Ralph Dawson.
Dick was a graduate of Escalon High School, class of 1955, as well as UC Berkeley, where he earned a BS in Engineering in 1960. He worked as an engineer for the Solano Irrigation District and later for DuPont, before returning to the family walnut farm, where he and Karyn raised their children.
Dick married the love of his life, Karyn Hudson Webb in 1963, and they had a long and happy life together. They both loved to travel and have traveled extensively in their RV in the United States, Mexico and Canada, as well as visiting countries on every continent except Africa.
Dick truly cared about his community, and was a lifelong volunteer. He was active in Escalon Young Farmers and Escalon Chamber of Commerce. Dick was proud of his work on the Economic Development Association of San Joaquin County, attracting businesses and encouraging local economic improvement. He loved his time in the Escalon Lions Club, and was a past president and long-time Treasurer. In his later years, he was also active in the Escalon Historical Society and the C.A.R.E. Escalon food pantry, and could often be seen hauling buckets of gleaned produce to the pantry. He and Karyn served as Mr.& Mrs. Senior Escalon in 2008 and Grand Marshals of the Escalon Park Fete Parade in 2021.
He was a good friend, with a large and varied network - from childhood friendships he maintained his entire life, to new friends he met in his travels.
Dick was a lifelong learner, whether he was researching the next place he was going to travel, reading a book, or watching streamed college lectures on his computer.
Dick is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karyn, as well as his children, Kristina Zack and Richard (Kristin) Dawson of Escalon, Jennifer (Mike) Canty of Sanford, CO, and Michael Webb of Modesto, nine grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, and many loving family members.
A public graveside service will be held at 11am March 12th at Burwood Cemetery in Escalon, followed by an open house reception at the Escalon Historical Museum. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Escalon Historical Society or C.A.R.E. Escalon food pantry.