Memorial graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans Chapel in the Rose Hill Cemetery.  A memorial is currently being established.

Donald Franklin Dawson was born on March 6, 1938 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the son of Guy and Nettie (Hammond) Dawson.  Don entered into eternal peace on Monday, October 13, 2025 at the Midlands Veterans Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Papillion, Nebraska.  Don lived a full life!

Don's early years were spent in Coin and College Springs, until the family returned to Shenandoah.  He served his country by enlisting in the United States Army.  He received an honorable discharge.   In September of 1963 he was united in marriage to Doris Haas.  She passed away in May of 2002 after 38 years of marriage.

Don worked for various nurseries and seed houses in Shenandoah.  He held other various jobs in the community including working 8 years for the public library and delivering the Weekly Times for over 10 years.  He later owned and operated a bookstore in Farragut, where he sold used books, video tapes and records.  He could often be found working outside tending to his lawn or helping other tend to theirs.   He enjoyed frequenting local eating establishments for breakfast and lunch.

He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife Doris.  He was lovingly cared for by his dear friends Kathy and Frank Hammons and in his final days by the beloved staff at the Midlands Veterans Rehabilitation Center.  Don cherished his faith and knew that when God was ready to call him home, he would be spending eternity with his Savior Jesus Christ.