Dennis LeRoy Dawson of Oakley, 85, passed away on Jan. 15, 2024, at Gove County Medical Center in Quinter.
He was born at home to Gilbert and Dorothy (Schwarz) Dawson on Nov. 9, 1938. Dennis was the second of five children in the family. He attended church services with his mom and occasionally with his grandma if she paid him. Dennis attended school in Oakley and graduated with the class of 1956.
Dennis married the love of his life, Connie Swart, on April 18, 1964. That love continued well after the 55 years they had together. They shared many adventures together.
He never had anything handed to him and understood the value of hard work. Dennis worked for Mrs. Snyder at the theater doing anything from show bills to projection for at least 30 years in Oakley. He also held a radio telegrapher's license to work on radios and short-wave radios.
He provided service for Oakley as an electrician and a lineman for the city. He retired as the director of Public Utility for the city of Oakley. Dennis enjoyed working with his hands and kept house when Connie became sick. He was very good at woodworking.
One year, Dennis entered a child-sized table and chairs in the Oakley 4-H. He had made it out of old pallets. He received a grand champion ribbon and an offer on the table. He refused to sell it because it belonged to Connie. He also enjoyed building and flying kites as a hobby.
Dennis and Connie built a 2,000-square-foot addition on their home in town and a 1,500-square-foot shop at the farm. Together they built a life and a home. For the past couple of years, he had been attending evening services at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oakley. He thoroughly enjoyed when Father Luke had the youth come out to his house and clean up the yard and touch up the paint on his house. He was very appreciative of their work.
Dennis is survived by his chosen daughter, Michele Dawson, Wichita; “granddaughter from Topeka” April (Ryan) Sidesinger, Topeka; sisters, Ferol (Frank) Powers, Gove, and Elaine Fentress, Oakley; and one brother, Marvin Dawson, Bothell, Wash. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends to cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother, Duane “Blackie” Dawson.
Visitation will take be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Baalmann Mortuary with the Rosary at 7 p.m. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with burial in the Oakley City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Grinnell/Angelus Heritage Center and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com.