Benton- Robert L. “Bob” Dawson, 68, of Benton, formerly of Herrin, passed away at 6:07 PM, Sunday, March 22, 2015 at the Marion VA Medical Center.
Bob was born on September 29, 1946 in West Frankfort, IL to Ezra and Connie (Chmielewski) Dawson. He married Vicki Treece on August 21, 1971 in Herrin. She survives in Benton.
Bob was a US Army Veteran who served his country bravely as a medic in Vietnam from 1968 until he was honorably discharged in 1970. He returned home and began a career on the cutting line at Smoler Brothers in Herrin for several years. Next he worked as a custodian for the Carterville School District for twenty eight years until his retirement in 1994.
He was a member of the West Frankfort American Legion and VFW and the Crab Orchard Boat and Yacht Club. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and camping with his family and friends at Crab Orchard Lake.
Survivors include-
Wife- Vicki Dawson of Benton
Son- Scott Dawson and wife Jennifer of Herrin
Son- Shawn Dawson and wife Kristy of Sullivan
Four Grandchildren:
Brandon Dawson of Herrin
Nathan Dawson and wife Brittney of Carterville
Ramona and Mallory Dawson of Sullivan
One great granddaughter on the way
Brother- Butch Dawson and wife Carolyn of Benton
Sister- Dorcas Cravens of Herrin
Sister- Helen Dodd of West Frankfort
Several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister- Betty Braggs
Bob’s wish was to be cremated. The family will be having a fish fry in celebration of Bob’s life at the Crab Orchard Yacht Club at a later date. Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin assisted the family with cremation and memorial arrangements.
For more information and to sign the memorial guest register, please visit wwww.hughesfuneralhomes.com.