Carl was born in Valparaiso, Indiana to Arnet and Bessie Dawson on August 17, 1948. He grew up in Kouts, Illinois with his seven siblings. He spent several years as a resident and graduated from Mooseheart Child City and School. Carl credited Mooseheart with providing him with a good foundation for later success in life. He joined the U.S. Army at a young age, and served in Vietnam as well as Desert Storm. He retired as a combat medic, Sergeant First Class, after 22 years in the U.S. Army. After retirement from the army, he continued to work in the medical field, serving as on operating room technician for over 18 years at Womack Army Medical Center, where he made many lifelong friends.
Carl was a huge sports fan and enjoyed watching all sports, especially his Notre Dame Fighting Irish! He participated in several sports as a youth and was an avid runner for much of his life. Carl also enjoyed the outdoors. He spent a lot of time landscaping and maintaining his yard, and even more time enjoying the fruits of his labor with the beautiful growth and wildlife. His favorite spot to hike was the All-American trail on Ft. Bragg.
Although the loss of Carl was sudden and unexpected, he will be greatly missed, and always loved by all who knew him.
Carl is preceded in death by his parents, Arnet and Bessie; his sister Edna, his brother Paul, his sister Louise, his sister Rita and his brother Eric.
He is survived by his wife MaryLou Palmer Dawson, son Eli Dawson; his sister Charlotte & husband Ike; his brother Sam; his brother in law Norman; his sister in law Cindy & husband Gary; his sister in law Julia & husband Ernie; his brother in law Harry & wife Kathy; his sister in law Charlene & husband Spencer; his sister in law Susan and many nieces & nephews.
A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Reeves Funeral Home on January 22, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Carl’s name to The Disabled American Veterans Organization (www.dav.org).
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