Robert Edwards Dawson's Obituary
Robert Edwards Dawson, born on October 18, 1919 in Fulton, Missouri, deceased August 20, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Betty Lashlee Dawson and second wife of 18 years, Eldred Mitchell Dawson. He was also predeceased by his daughter Deborah Dawson Dorman. He is survived by his sister Billie Dawson Andrews, his son-in-law James Paul Dorman, Jr. (Nancy), grandchildren, Lashlee Dorman Whittington (Chad), James Paul Dorman, III (Kristy), and Molly Dorman Flynn (Matthew) and six great grandchildren. His family moved to Memphis in his early years, and he graduated from Humes High School. As an U.S. Army Air Corps pilot, he proudly served in the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron during World War II. Flying the P51 Mustang, Spitfire, and P80 Jet, his decorations consisted of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Cluster, Free French Crois de Gurre with Bronze Star, ETO Ribbon 6 Battle Stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Clusters. After his service, he remained as a long-time member of the Air Force Reserve. Mr. Dawson retired in 1993 after a long career at Herman Bensdorf and JC Bradford Brokerage Firm in Memphis, TN. He enjoyed investing and watching the stock market for many years after his retirement. In his younger years, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, and golf. He was a member of Eudora Baptist Church. He was a humble, independent, generous, and resilient man. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 22nd at 2:30 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis, TN. The family will hold a visitation prior to the service at 1:30 pm. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”
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