Joseph Thomas Dawson Jr.

Joseph (Joe) Thomas Dawson, Jr., 73, passed away at home in Liberty Twp, OH (previously from Newburgh, IN) on January 10, 2022 with his family by his side. He was born in Grandview, IN, to parents Joseph Thomas Dawson, Sr. and Juanita Mae Westfall Dawson.

For 47 years, Joe and his wife Joyce (Reinke) enjoyed creating a beautiful life and family together. He is survived by his wife, son Jason (Stephanie) Dawson of Mason, OH, daughter, Jennifer (Josh) Conklin of Indianapolis, IN, his grandchildren Jack Dawson, Norah Dawson, Tate Conklin, and Taylynn Conklin, sister Brenda (Mike) McNamara of Moscow Mills, MO, Mary (Dan) Burch of Boonville, IN, nephew JT (Jara) Dillingham of Newburgh, niece Angie (Michael) Perry of Tucson, AZ, sister-in-law Judy (Ron) Mehringer of Jasper, IN, nephew Chad (Brandee) Mehringer of Winslow, IN, niece Gina Mehringer of Jasper, IN along with many other dear family members. Joe loved his many dogs through the years and leaves behind his beagle, Daisy, and min pin, Addie. He will also be missed by many friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sister (Leann Camacho), brother (Tony Medjesky), sister (Janet Viebrock), foster parents (Theodore (Shorty) and Jewell Sturgeon), and grandson (Owen Conklin).

Joe was a proud Air Force Veteran, serving in Vietnam. He then became a decorator painter who left his mark on the tri-state by finishing many of the schools, restaurants, and businesses that we all visit today. Prior to finally retiring, Joe spent ten years as grounds keeper at the Vanderburgh County Jail.

Joe was fostered beginning at a young age by many local families. We are thankful for those families and the care they gave him. It was those experiences that engrained in him that there was nothing more important than being a supportive, loving husband and father. WELL DONE DAD! Joe loved life and could always make you smile. He never met a stranger and demonstrated kindness and courtesy with every person he met. You could catch him on Sundays watching NASCAR or simply looking at pictures of his family on his phone. He loved spending time with family, calling and catching up with friends, going fishing, and watching the waves at the beach. He loved being a snowbird in Naples, FL.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life which will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 2:00-5:00 PM at Alexander Funeral Home, Newburgh Chapel, Newburgh, Indiana. Per Joe - LEAVE YOUR TIE AT HOME! We welcome you to share your memories with the family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in his name may be made to It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue (motto - "To work as one in helping homeless animals irrespective of breed, location or circumstance.") at https://www.itvrescue.org/donate or envelopes will be available at the Celebration of Life.

Condolences may be offered online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.