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Lawrence Dawson Obituary

Lawrence R. Dawson, 68, of North Aurora, formerly of Glen Ellyn and Elmhurst, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 of complications from colon cancer. Larry was born June 5, 1942 in St. Louis, MO to Beulah L. (nee Van Winkle) and George W. Dawson. He is survived by his loving wife Gayle (nee Hoffman), devoted sons Bradley L. Dawson and Keith R. Dawson, daughters-in-law Nicole Dawson and Susan Dawson, darling grandchildren Jack, Matthew, Andrew, Katie, Alec, and Ellie Dawson. Larry is also survived by his mother, Beulah Riegle, brothers William (June) Dawson and Mark Riegle, and sister Lora (Dr. Mark) Lustig, six nieces and nephews, and four great-nieces and great-nephews. Larry was predeceased by his father, George W. Dawson in 1951, infant twin granddaughters Jessica and Sarah in 2005 and his stepfather, Theodore Riegle in 2011. Larry grew up in Mountain View, MO and moved to the Chicago area in 1958. He graduated from Morton East High School in Cicero, IL (1961), Morton Junior College (1963), Northeastern Illinois University (1969), majoring in American History. He received his Master's Degree in European History from UIC in 1975. Larry taught social studies at Proviso West High School from 1971 until retirement in 2002, and was the department chairperson the last eleven years of his career. Larry proudly served in the US Army from 1965 to 1967 and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. After being honorably discharged from the army he and Gayle were married on July 1, 1967 in Berwyn, IL. Larry faced adversity with hope, courage, and dignity. A memorial visitation will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 235 S. Kenilworth, Elmhurst, IL on Thursday, December 15, 2011; visitation from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M., with service at 11:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Larry's name are appreciated to one of the following: American Cancer Society, your local library, First Congregational United Church of Christ to benefit the music program, or to your favorite charity. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 1-630-820-2828.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by East DuPage Press/Spectator/Argus on Dec. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Jon Cveticanin

December 23, 2024

I'm sorry to hear of Mr Dawson's passing, he was my history teacher at PW. I enjoyed his class. He'll be missed by all.

Beverly Roberts Johnson

December 28, 2011

I was saddened to hear of Larry's passing, remembering all the great times we had as teenagers in Berwyn. My sympathies to Gayle and the family.

Natalie Popek

December 22, 2011

Mr. Dawson was my favorite teacher at Proviso West(Class of 88). He clearly enjoyed teaching and I truly enjoyed his sense of humor. I have great memories of such an honorable man. My condolences to the family.

Rob Galarza

December 18, 2011

Mr. Dawson was a terrific man, and a great teacher. He was one of few instructors at PW that I had the opportunity to know at deeper than surface level. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Dawson family as they grieve this wonderful man.

Peter Landreth

December 17, 2011

I had the pleasure of working under Larry for two years and he was the best boss I ever worked for. He was a wonderful mentor and a great teacher. He lives on in the work of all the students and other teachers whose lives he touched.

Frank San Roman

December 16, 2011

Keith,

Just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about your dad and also sorry that I was not around for the funeral. Meeting your Dad only once was enough for me to know that he was a very sincere and happy man, who did a wonderful job in raising a son like you. I know that he has found a special place in my life as I get to see him every day I see you. My prayers are with you and your family

Dick Clish

December 15, 2011

Larry was always one of the funniest and best teachers at West. I will always remember our good times togehter as department chairs and teachers. He was a one of a kind and a great friend. He will be remembered by many.

Angela Strater

December 14, 2011

Larry Dawson was an enormous inspiration to students and teachers at Proviso West. His humor, intelligence, dedication and integrity will long be remembered and appreciated by so many people.

lowell Lucas

December 14, 2011

Condolences to the Dawson family. Larry was a great co-worker who always had a smile. He put up a good fight.

December 14, 2011

Larry lived his retirement to the fullest. We loved seeing him in the neighborhood putt putting around in his Porsche. He prided himself with his immaculate lawn and landscaping and was a wonderful neighbor. We will miss him. Our deepest symathies to his wife Gayle and his family.

Diane and Brad Busleta
Boyana Flajnik

Alma Guzman

December 14, 2011

Mr. Dawson was a great teacher. He was a joy to be around. I learned so much from him. He will be missed.

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