Richard Dawson

Richard Lee Dawson, 75 of Frederick, died Thursday, December 22, 2022 at his home with his wife by his side.

He was born September 15, 1947 in Virginia, the son of Virgil and Blanche Copley Dawson. He married Carole Wubker on February 24, 1967 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beardstown and she survives in Frederick.

He is also survived by two daughters Ronda (husband Ted) Thurman of Beardstown and Missy (husband Rob) Burke of Virginia; ten grandchildren Andrew Adkins, Amber (husband Nick) Clark, Ashlee Adkins, Brooke Thurman, Clayton Thurman, Shelby Thurman, Tanner Burke, Hunter Burke, Cody (fiancé Ashley Kramer) Dawson, and Caitlin Chavez-Dawson; 15 great grandchildren; three sisters Karen (husband Bert) Lerch, Judy (deceased husband Bill) Griffie, and Carol (husband Wayne) Denton; his best friend Roger (wife Joy) Olry of Virginia; and his four-legged companion Toby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Billie Jean Dawson, four sisters Sadie Laverne Barnes, Shirley Sapp, Linda Dawson, and Freida Dawson, and four brothers Virgil “Tom”, Charles, Harold, and John Dawson.

Rick graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1966. He joined the United States Army and honorably served during the Vietnam War. He attended First Southern Baptist Church in Beardstown, was a 51 year member of Rushville American Legion Post #4 and Mascouten Bay Muzzleloaders. Rick  worked at Oscar Mayer in Beardstown until their closing and then attended Lincoln Land Community College and received his Electrical Maintenance Degree. He retired fromMilstead Tri County Electric in Oakford after 20+ years. Rick also served as Beardstown Alderman in Ward 2 for several years.

Rick never met a stranger and told the greatest stories that could make you believe something even if it wasn’t true. He liked to joke around and gave his family many “rubber necks” and “made you look” comments. He enjoyed woodworking and making hand-crafted walking sticks. He loved the outdoors whether he was hunting, shooting archery, or fishing with his best friend who didn’t really like to fish. Most of all his family was his pride and joy.

Memorial services will be held at 11:30 AM Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown with Military Honors conducted by Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239 and Rushville American Legion Post #4. Private family burial will be held at a later date. The family will meet with friends from 10-11:30 AM Wednesday at the memorial home. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Colwell Memorial Home. Condolences may be left online atwww.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.