Edward L. “Eddie” Dawson, Sr. was born on May 25, 1929 in Botetourt County Virginia to the parents of Charles E. and Beatrice Lawson Dawson who preceded him in death. Eddies two sisters, Virginia Hughes and A. Ernestine Dawson, and his brother, Charles H. Dawson also preceded him in death. A memorable part of his youth was spent in Logan County, WV.
Eddie received his formal education at Watson Elementary and High School in Covington, Virginia.
Eddie married Dorothy Roberta Scott on November 1, 1945 in Clifton Forge, VA. He worked at the Rayon Plant in Covington, VA. and also pitched on a semi pro baseball team there. The couple was blessed with six children, Meredith Letitia, Edna Lee, Paulette Ann, Meria Elizabeth, Charleen Harriet, and Edward Lee, Jr.
He moved his family to Huntington in 1953. A short time later, Eddie was employed by Butler Furniture Company and Huntington Alloys simultaneously. He left his job at Butler’s in order to work on his GED. Upon receiving his diploma, he enrolled in a pipefitting program at Huntington Alloys. He completed the training and was promoted to the position of pipe fitter. He continued in that capacity until he retired in 1985.
Over the years the Dawson’s willing cared for many children in their home; those from the neighborhood, their church, and Marshall University. Eddie believed that if he had it, he was supposed to share it with those who needed it, as long as there was enough to go around. He would testify that God always provided more than enough.
Eddie was very active in his community and had a strong faith in God and to his beloved First Baptist Church. He served faithfully as a member of the Deacon’s Ministry, Chairman of the Trustee Board, a member of the men’s Ministry, and as an eager and attentive Sunday School and Wednesday Night Bible Study student. He was also one of the original van drivers for Sunday School and Morning Worship Service. Eddie was an avid fisherman and bowler where he was a participant in the Huntington Alloys Retirement League and the Ebony Bowling league. Eddie proudly served as Junior and Senior Warden in the Alexander Freeman lodge #2 F & AM. He also held a number of other key positions with the organization as well as past president of the Owl Service club.
Eddie is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Roberta and their six children; Meredith and her husband, Joseph Slash of Indianapolis, IN, Edna Congleton of Huntington, Paulette Dawson, Meria Dawson Brooms both of Indianapolis, IN, Charleen and her husband, Timothy Tooten, Sr. of Baltimore, MD, and Edward Dawson, Jr., and his wife, Yvonne of Huntington, 12 grandchildren, Alexandria and Adrianne Slash, Nicole and Paul Congleton II, Stephanie Ballard and Jennifer Hines, Claude Broomes Jr., Fallon Cuthrell and husband, Brian, Tare and Timothy Tooten Jr., Edward L. III and Simone Dawson.; three nieces, Shirley, Virginia and Terry a nephew, Michael of Virginia. A number of great nieces and nephews, cousins and devoted family members and friends too numerous to name.The Home Going Celebration will be 11:00AM Saturday, February 11, at the First Baptist Church with the Reverend Paul F. Willis and Reverend Charles H. Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 6 - 8:00PM Friday at the church.
