William Dawson Baptist

W. Dawson Baptist, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Thursday, May 28th, after bravely fighting Alzheimer’s for many years. He was born in New Orleans on July 25, 1934, and except for 3 years serving as an Air Force lieutenant in Iceland, he lived in the city all of his life. Dawson is preceded in death by his father, Ted Baptist, his mother, Margaret Baptist Ruhlman, and his lovely wife, Lesley Philbrick Baptist. He graduated from Isidore Newman School, where he was captain of his basketball team, and he graduated from Tulane University in 1956, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. As well as being a dedicated Saints & Pelicans fan, he followed Newman and Tulane sports throughout his life. First with a local accounting firm, and later in his own practice Dawson worked as a CPA for 50 years. He particularly enjoyed being self-employed due to his warm collegial relationships with Larry Weidemann, his family, and attorneys in his firm. Dawson provided volunteer accounting services to the Urban League of New Orleans, and served on the Board of Directors during the presidency of Clarence Barney, a man he greatly admired. Dawson loved tennis, and distinguished himself in both city and regional tournaments for decades. He was a long-time member of the City Park Tennis Club, as well as NOLTC (joining back when it was on Saratoga St.). His wit was dry, succinct, and subtle. He loved the Rib Room, Mandina's, Venezia's & Vincent’s. He loved Beefeaters martini on the rocks with olives. He loved going to the Blue Room, and listening to big band jazz music, with favorites including Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Prima, & the Four Freshmen. He was a voracious reader, and was always happy to find a good old movie on TV, with his all-time favorite being “The Best Years of our Lives”. Dawson is survived by his daughters, Amy and Beth, by his loving and loyal friend, Felice Seavey, his dear cousin, Liz Wilson, and her husband John. He also will be missed by family members, including John Morello, Jane Mallon, Marie & Philip Harmon, and Coleman Hambley, as well as his many life-long friends. He is also survived by Scott & Cathy Blankenship, Lisa Blankenship, Gil & Nee Blankenship and their daughter Wantip, Jeff Mallon, Alison Harmon, Jarret Mallon, and Rachael Harmon. His family would like to thank all of his wonderful caregivers in his final years, with special gratitude going out to Paula Mackie who became his true friend. Thanks also goes to Dr. Frank Monte, and to all of the caring staff at Crane Rehab. Due to COVID restrictions his interment at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum was private, and a memorial service will be held at a future date. To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.