Robert R. (Bob) Dawson Jr.
Robert R. (Bob) Dawson Jr., 73, of rural Anna, died at 5:10 a.m. Sunday, March 28, 2021, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by his family.
He was born on April 2, 1947, in St. Louis, the son of Robert Richard and Wanda Winsel Dawson Sr.
The Lord blessed our small family with Bob in 1967. His personality was unique and infectious.
He proudly served his country in Vietnam from 1969-1970. He served with the 25th Infantry Division as an M-60 gunner and was wounded while on patrol around Cu-Chi, where he earned his Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge.
When he returned from the war, he joined the IBEW Local 702 and started a career as an electrician at Belcher Electric in Anna.
After his career at Belcher, he was then a foreman on the electrician’s crew at Southern Illinois University, where he retired in 2009.
He earned a reputation as one of the best electricians in the area. There was never a problem that he could not fix. He was a perfectionist and a master trouble-shooter.
Every person who met Bob loved and respected him. In the electrical field, the common phrase was “CALL DAWSON” for a problem that could not be solved.
He loved his country, worshiped his family and was everyone’s friend. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, basketball and helping anyone with a problem they couldn’t solve. He was the absolute cornerstone and foundation of this small family.
He will be missed every hour of every day by all of us. The Lord gained a warrior and a talented man. PFC Robert R. Dawson is standing in formation in Valhalla. We will meet again.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jean; son Brad (Samantha) Dawson of Anna; daughter Amanda (Cory) Kelley of Beaufort, S.C.; grandchildren Kayma and Sawyer Dawson; sister Sharon (Ray) McBride of Park Hills, Mo.; brother-in-law Chip (Patty) Young of Anna; nephews Dustin (Marissa) Young, Dylan Young and Robert (Mindy) McBride. And he leaves Baby, his beloved dog.
He was preceded in death by his parents and niece, Rayanne McBride-Smith.
At his request, no services will be held. Memorials can be made to The Vietnam Veterans of America by visiting their website, www.vva.org, or by mail at 8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100, Silver Spring, Md. 20910.
Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.