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1937 - 2008
 Ralph Leon Dawson, 71, of Crum, WV died August 24, 2008 at Cabell Huntington Hospital.
Ralph was born in Crum, WV, March 27, 1937 to George Wallace and Jessie Raines Dawson, the fourth of five sons and two daughters. He was preceded in death by one brother, James Franklin Dawson and two sisters, Phyllis Ann Dolly Browning, and Mary Carroll Reinhart. He is survived by his wife, Ima Jean (Ward) Dawson; Three sons: Ralph Leon Dawson, II of Proctorville, OH, Robert Lyle Dawson of Huntington, WV, and Ronald Lee Dawson, of Crum, WV; Four grandchildren: Jessica Leigh DeHaven (Aaron) of Louisville, KY, Matthew Ryan Dawson of Proctorville, OH, Sara Lynn Dawson of Louisville, KY and Dillon Anthony Waller of Crum, WV. He is also survived by three brothers: Charles Wallace Dawson of Milton, WV, Jack Dawson of Columbus, OH and Lowell Herbert Dawson of Crum, WV.
Ralph graduated as valedictorian of Crum High School in 1955. He attended Pikeville College, Berea College and Peabody College. He earned both his AB & MA in Education at Marshall University.
Ralph was a well-respected and important part of the Crum community in Southern Wayne County. He was an educator who spent much of his life in the Wayne County School System. He was a teacher and Principal of Crum Elementary for over 43 years. He touched the lives of thousands of children.
Ralph was instrumental in bringing municipal water to hundreds of families, starting work on the project in 1960. He was Chairman of the Crum Public Service District until his death.
As co-owner of Crum Pizza House, many in the area have enjoyed seeing Ralph, proudly dressed in his Marshall gear, greet them as he and his wife have been serving Crum in that capacity for over 27 years.
He also participated in numerous civic and fraternal organizations: He was former Secretary of Jewel Lodge #140 AF & AM, Logan Royal Arch Chapter, Logan Commandry, Beni Kedem Temple AAONMS, Crum Chapter OES #160, Past Patron of Kermit Chapter OES #123, Williamson Elks Lodge and Williamson Moose Lodge.
He was a former Scout Master of the Crum Boy Scout Troop, Chairman of the Wayne County Community Services Organization, a member of the Wayne County Economic Development Association and a Kentucky Colonel.
Visitation will be Wednesday between 5:00 and 9:00 pm at Wilson Funeral Home, Louisa, KY and Thursday between 11:00 and 1:00 at Silver Creek United Baptist Church where his funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Frazier Hill Cemetery, Fort Gay, WV.
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There are currently 24 condolences.
dianna fuller
imprettydi2u@yahoo.com
Friday September 12, 2008 at
10:16 PM
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ima jean, i first met you and ralph years ago at sams club were i work, i did not know of ralphs passing tell today when you came into work i am still in shock, cant believe it. i always asked you and him what trip you were going on next, he loved to take you places, he really enjoyed it i could see it in his eyes when he would talk about, i world is going to miss such a good man, father, brother, husband, i got to know some of his family, jack and herb i am sorry you lost your brother, i know i well miss him coming in to work, it will never be the same again , IMA JEAN CALL ME ANYTIME IF YOU NEED A FRIEND LOVE YA DIANNA
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Cutler Dillon
Thursday September 4, 2008 at
10:46 PM
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To ALL The Dawson Family - It is with great sadness I learned only today of your great loss and the difficult time you are going through. Ralph certainly made an impact on my life with great acts of kindness, never to be forgotten. May God give you the comfort and peace you need, with each passing day.
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Linda Hensley Greer
Saturday August 30, 2008 at
9:35 AM
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Dear Ima Jean,
Ralph was a wonderful person showered with blessings throughout his life. However, Ralph's biggest blessing was having you in his life. I'm so sorry Ima Jean. If the future seems overwhelming, remember that it comes one moment at a time.
Love and Prayers,
Linda Hensley Greer
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Linda (Hensley) Greer
Saturday August 30, 2008 at
9:24 AM
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Dear Ima Jean & Family,
It breaks my heart to hear of Ralph's passing. I know how difficult this must be for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I first met Ralph in l954 when our family moved to Crum. In my heart, I feel we have known and loved Ralph and the Dawson family ever since. As I was growing up, Ralph seemed bigger than life. A poem by Mary Michaels reads: Behind every cloud there's a rainbow with sunshine and skies of blue. So always remember that if you have faith peace will come to you.
I'm sure that Ralph is at peace now, and hopefully you will be at peace knowing that.
My prayers, my thoughts, my tears, my heart go out to you and your family.
Love, Prayers, and Hugs
Robert & Linda (Hensley) Greer & Family
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Danny, Denise, and Savanna Spaulding
Thursday August 28, 2008 at
10:01 AM
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Our deepest sympathies.
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Morrison Stepp Jr
morrison.stepp@wymtnews.com
Wednesday August 27, 2008 at
10:41 PM
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The Dawson family...Ima Jean, RL, Bobby & Ronnie
I never will forget the day I moved to Crum, it was the Fall of 79 I was 5 years old at that time. It was the day I met my best friend Ronnie and his dad Ralph Dawson. I have thousands of great memories with the Dawson Family I would like to share just one with you...It was the last graduation at Crum High I was to play in the band at graduation and Mom didn't have money to buy me a tie to wear, so I called on Ralph who not only had lots of ties plus he could actually tie one! He loaned me a nice shiny wide black tie, showed me how to tie the thing, and then he tied it around my neck...off I went proud as a peacock....Ralph taught me something I will never forget Anyone can do anything if they are willing to work for it. I owe a great deal to the entire Dawson Family. God Bless
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Ted Kinder and Girls
Wednesday August 27, 2008 at
10:29 PM
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RL and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May your good memories help relieve the pain of your loss.
Ted, Angie, Grace, Caroline and Sarah
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Scott Maddox
Wednesday August 27, 2008 at
9:18 PM
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My condolences to the Dawson family. Ralph always conducted himself as a gentleman no matter the setting. He was a good man and citizen of Wayne Co., and will be missed.
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Jane McKee
jlmckee@adelphia.net
Wednesday August 27, 2008 at
7:29 PM
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Dear Ima Jean and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I have such fond memories of my days at Crum Elementary. My prayers are with you. Jane McKee
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Ron & Eileen
Wednesday August 27, 2008 at
11:26 AM
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Jean & Boys, Please accept our deepest condolences. Ralph and you have been our dearest friends and we will sadly miss Ralph. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your loving friends...Ron & Eileen
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Ed & Diana (Hensley) Canterbury
Wednesday August 27, 2008 at
12:49 AM
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Ima Jean, R.L., Bobby, Ronnie, & family, Please accept our deepest condolences, love, and prayers. Ralph was so much a part of all our lives. We always considered you all part of our extended family and cherish the many memories. Some people make a difference in this world just by being themselves...Ralph was one of these people. His legacy will continue through all who loved him. Please know that our prayers are with you.
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Roger D. Evans
rde3@verizon.net
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
11:30 PM
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To The Dawson Family:
From the Harless Jr. and Lorena Evans Family.......
We wish to send our heart felt condolence's to you with remembering the many years thru many generations our two familes spent as "friends and neighbors" there in Crum. Such wonderful memories that stand etched in our minds forever as people of such "landmark proportions" as was Ralph...There will be a lasting void there in the community as each of these wonderful people leave us who worked so hard to establish a sound, cheerished living environment for us all to grow up in. Our Prayers are offered in such regards of comfort, peace, and solice for you at this time of loss. "God Bless You All"...."Our thoughts are contining with you, and our Love is extended to each member of your family from ours....
"The Evans Family"..........
"Eddie, Roger, & Sharon"....
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Kathy Tooley
kathytool@zoominternet.net
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
8:16 PM
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I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I did not personally know Mr. Dawson, I know Ralph and the grandkids. I have heard many stories about him. I wish that I would have had the pleasure to meet him. My sympathy to everyone. He leaves behind a legacy of what great family is about.
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Roger,Betty Copley and Family
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
3:47 PM
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Please accept our deepest sympathies.
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Lois Shinn
s5d4b9l1@citynet.net
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
1:49 PM
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Mrs. Dawson, I don't know if you remember me, but Ralph and I were at Peabody at the same time. We had some good laughs became other people couldn't believe we were representative of "real" West Virginians.
I know this is a difficult time for all of your family and I do pray for God's comforting presence in your lives.
Lois Shinn, Leon, WV
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Tim and Brenda DeHaven
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
12:27 PM
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We are so sorry for your loss. He fought a hard battle, but he is at peace now. He touched the lives of many and has left behind many good memories. Be assured he will never be forgotten.
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Dee Dee, Deedra & Kevin Kise & Family
deedot@foothills.net
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
12:08 PM
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Ima Jean, I'm so sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. We got to know you and your sons over at CHH when my mother was also in SICU. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
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Judy (Chaffin) Tackett Rosquist
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
11:15 AM
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Ima Jean, R.L,Bobby and Ronnie, my thoughts and deepest sympathy to you during this time.
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Roger D. Evans
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
10:28 AM
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For the Dawson Family,
"The Evans Family" sends their deepest regards for the loss of a "friend, neighbor, and loved one". So many years our respective families spent there in Crum with wonderful days of memory spanning many generations that of which are landmarks etched deep within both families hearts. Our sincere, earnest Prayers are with you, "The Dawson Family", as to help assure comfort in this time of loss.
"May God Bless You All".....
(From the Family of Harless Jr. & Lorena Evans)...Eddie, Roger, and Sharon......"If there is something our family can do in some way to be of extended comfort, please feel at ease to let us know"....
"Love & Prayers" +++
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David L Hatton
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
9:30 AM
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Ima Jean, RL, Bobby, & Ronnie, I am so sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. He was a wonderful man who helped me tremendously at the beginning of my teaching career...He will be sadly missed by many many people. Take comfort in knowing he is in a better place & watching over you.
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Ronnie & Lois Little & Family
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
8:30 AM
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Such a great loss for all of us and our community. Our prayers are with you Ima Jean, R.L., Bobby & Ronnie and all the grandchildren. He loved you all so much. We will all miss him. We loved him too.
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Judy Hensley Garcia
Tuesday August 26, 2008 at
12:45 AM
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Ima Jean, We were deeply saddened to hear that Ralph passed away Sunday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Ralph touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten. May the memories and love you shared bring you comfort.
The Garcias,
Tony, Judy (Hensley), & Family
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David & Kay Stevens, Greenup, Ky.
Monday August 25, 2008 at
10:45 PM
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Jean & Family,
Deepest regards and sympathy.
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Jack Dennis of Clearwater Fla.
Monday August 25, 2008 at
5:25 PM
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Kindest regards and sympathy
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