Edward Dawson, Sr.

Edward H. Dawson, Sr., 92, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at Oak Creek Senior Living. Ed was born July 5, 1927, and raised, in York, Ontario, Canada, the son of Walter and Lillian Devan Dawson. As a young man, Ed fulfilled his desire to become a United States Citizen and serve in the military during WWII. He proudly served behind enemy lines as part of a Troop Rescue Unit in the Philippines, in what was then known as the U.S. Army Air Corps, receiving several medals and ribbons for his service. Two years after that service, he was recruited to join the newest branch of our military – the new United States Air Force. Ed married Ann Rita McMaster on October 15, 1952; she preceded him in death on February 8, 2011. Upon Ed’s retirement from the Air Force in 1967, they moved to Orange Park, Florida, where Ed began a career in real estate. As much as Ed and Ann loved Florida, they wanted to be closer to their family in Kansas and moved to Topeka in 1999. A few years after Ed became widowed, he moved into Oak Creek Assisted Living in Topeka where he found another Kansas family to love and care for him until his death. The staff and his fellow residents there were truly his extended family. Ed was a devout Catholic earning him the nickname, “The Bishop”. He enjoyed supporting Catholic charities and other organizations and had a soft spot for those in need. He spent several years as a volunteer bringing communion, God’s Word and a friendly smile to homebound people around Topeka. Ed has traveled the world, always saw the best in people and genuinely wanted to know all about others – a stranger he did not know. Infamous for his “sweet tooth” and his beautiful smile; he will be missed by all. Ed is survived by his son, Edward Dawson, Jr. (Connie) of Topeka; grandchildren, Sean Dawson (Chelsey) of San Antonio, Texas, and Kelsie Jefferson (Nick) of Topeka; great-granddaughters, Mia Dawson of San Antonio, and Madaline Jefferson of Topeka; and brother, Wally Dawson of York, Ontario, Canada. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th Street, Topeka KS 66604, with visitation 30 minutes prior. Burial to follow in Mission Center Cemetery, 29th and Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Edward Dawson, Sr.

July 5, 1927 - August 28, 2019