Donald C. Dawson

Dr. Donald Clair Dawson, went to Heaven to be with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 95 in Houston on November 18, 2019. A great family provider, he was known for entertaining family and friends with jokes that were responsible for countless hours of laughter and happiness. Dr. Dawson was a member of Second Baptist Church, where until his 90th birthday, he served each Sunday as a door usher at the Worship Center. Many people would purposely enter through his door so they could see one of the many bright-colored sport coats he wore each week. He was a longtime member of the Gospel Truth/Nothing But the Truth Bible study class, where he had many friends.

Dr. Dawson was born on September 3, 1924, in Seagoville, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. Upon graduating from high school in 1940, he attended the University of Texas at Austin. Before finishing his studies, Dr. Dawson joined the U.S. Navy in 1941 to serve in World War II. He retired from the service in 1946 as an Ensign. He returned to college, earning an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston in 1952. For 17 years he practiced family medicine in Pasadena, Texas, where he co-developed Southmore Hospital. Dr. Dawson’s interest in medicine also intersected with a passion for real estate when he developed the Autumn Leaves Nursing Home and Lava Rock Clinic in Pasadena. Those were the first of many successful projects for Dr. Dawson, who retired from medical practice in 1969 to become a full-time real estate developer. His projects in Pasadena and Friendswood included the Eden Rock Apartments, London Belle Apartments, Chamonix Apartments, Sandpiper Apartments, San Joaquin Estates and a number of distinguished private residences. The London Belle Apartments project was named after his wife of 62 years, Bette Belle (Stapleton) Dawson. They married on December 14, 1957, and she has been his faithful partner in life and business ever since. Dr. Dawson retired from real estate development in the early 1980s. His interest in health and wellness grew stronger, leading him to become an expert in nutrition, alternative medicine and vitamin supplements. He was also an accomplished Bridge player, ultimately becoming a Silver Life Master.

Dr. Dawson is survived by his wife, Betty Belle; his daughter Dr. Dawn Renée Dawson and her husband Dr. Richard Pounds with their son David Pounds; his son Donald Lee Dawson and his wife Jennifer Dawson and sons, Aaron and Brandon Dawson; his daughter-in-law Charlotte Dawson with her daughters Julia (Dawson) Grab and her husband Nick Grab, and Misty Seib, along with her husband Jeff Seib, and their three children, Tabitha, Holden and Drew Seib. Dr. Dawson was preceded in death by his son Donald Clair Dawson, Jr.; father Sidney E. Dawson; mother Kitty Mae Dawson; brothers Sidney Dawson, Townes Loring Dawson, John L. Dawson; and sister Leta Verne Jolly.

A committal service for Donald will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 starting at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Dawson family.