John Dawson

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, February 24, 2010

NATCHEZ — Services for John Arthur Dawson, 88, of Natchez, who died Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010, at his residence, will be at 3 p.m. today at St. Mary Basilica with the Rev. David O’Connor and the Rev. Alfred Camp officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. today at the church with a rosary service from 2:30 p.m. until service time.

John Arthur “Art” Dawson was born Jan. 31, 1922, in Wheeling, W. Va., the son of John Arthur Dawson Sr. and Elizabeth Blake Dawson. Art was a graduate of Bridgeport High School and enrolled in the U.S. Army where he served during World War II as a communication specialist. While serving his country, he was awarded the Purple Heart. After returning from the war, he enrolled and proudly attended the University of Miami where he received a degree in business finance. He met the love of his life, Geraldine Linch and they were married Feb. 3, 1951. He was employed by McCroys in West Virginia and traveled with the company, ending up in Natchez. Soon after settling in Natchez he began work with Case Power & Equipment until his retirement. He loved golf and spent a lot of time on the golf course. If he didn’t get to play a round of golf for a few days, he would suffer withdrawal. He always bonded with the staff at any course he played and was especially fond of the Duncan Park staff.

He was a devout Catholic and attended Mass with his wife on a daily basis at St. Mary Basilica and was a member of the rosary group. He was a loyal child of God, and the best husband a wife could ask for. He had eight children and was loved dearly by each and every one of them. Art never met a stranger. His family is positive he’s bonding with God and the angels in heaven.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Timothy Dawson and Daniel Dawson; his parents; and one brother, Clyde Dawson.

Survivors include his wife; one son, Ronny Dawson and fiancée, Lynda Martin and her children, Luke, Blake and Mallory; five daughters, Pam Kincke and husband, Ike, Susan Windham and husband, Jimmy Don, Debby Celestino and husband, Joe, Linda Dawson and Beverly Dawson; two sisters, Betty Miller and Eleanor Brennan; 21 grandchildren, Dawn Maynor, Chad Windham, Tabetha Bratton, Tip Windham, Will Windham, Sharon Dimitry, Melissa Mills, Chris Kincke, Mandy Tootle, Jackie Coiro, Angeleique Garriga, Matthew Kincke, Lucas Kincke, Jefferey Kincke, Nathan Kincke, Tim and Brie Celestino, John, Heather, Matthew and Mark Dawson; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Carl Flowers, Eric Glidden, Joseph Celestino, Jimmy Don Windham, Blake Wadsworth, Tip Windham, Mike Goldback and Will Windham.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Kincke, Blake Martin, Matthew Kincke, Lucas Kincke, Bill Holland, Dan Scruggs and Luke Martin.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.