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Eileen Dawson, 90, of Decatur IN, peacefully passed away on April 13th, 2023 surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult battle with cancer.
Eileen, a descendent of Nantucket, Massachusetts, was born July of 1932, to the late Paul and Helen Davis in Mercer County, OH. However, when Eileen was 6 months old her family relocated to Adams County, IN, where she later attended grade school at Jefferson. Then in 1944 after moving to Root Township she completed her education at Monmouth High School where she then graduated in 1951.
After graduation, Eileen married the love of her life, Earl Dawson in 1952 who descended from France. Eileen engaged in home management while also helping her husband Earl manage the Decatur Sports Center for roughly 14 years in Adams County where she and Earl purchased their home 57 years ago in 1966 working diligently to turn it into the beautiful home where they fulfilled the rest of their lives. She had also been employed with US Rubber Plant, REA Magnet Wire, CTS and Pace Arrow throughout her working years.
Eileen had a passion for family genealogy beginning in 1966 and studied it throughout her entire life, traveling extensively each summer to do research including going to Washington DC and The National Archives multiple times. She is a member of First Families of Ohio, Society of Indiana Pioneers, charter member of Antoine Rivarre Chapter of the D.A.R. where she was an Organizing Member for the startup of our local D.A.R., Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, and the Adams County Historical Society. She has held offices in the latter three, as well as, been active in community affairs, especially historical projects such as assisting in writing the Adams County History Book where she and her family are also featured in an article.
She had many hobbies including flowers and planting in her flowerbeds that surround her beautiful historical home. She had a passion for anything Christmas related including Christmas walks that she hosted at her own home while it was fully decorated with Christmas magic, elegance, history, class, and glamour. She loved traveling whether it was to take her family camping, sightseeing, and hiking or when she and Earl would travel to Gulf Shores each year during the winter months. She and Earl would spend Saturday nights as members of the Moose Lodge cutting up the rug. She would also find time to involve herself in volunteer work during the political polls as she was an avid Democrat. Eileen developed many friendships thru all the groups she was a part of such as The Red Hat Club and The Bubble Babes swimming group.
Eileen and Earl were the devoted parents to 2 children, son Edward married to Rosanne (Po) Dawson and daughter Darla married to Timothy Beer. As well as 5 grandchildren, Rebecca Beer, Sarah (Daniel) Burgin, Daniel Dawson, Katelyn (James III) Curtis, Angela Beer, and 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Eileen was extremely proud of the 5 generations of her family. Eileen is survived by 2 brothers Dwight (Carolyn) Davis and Norman (June) Davis.
Eileen is preceded in death by her parents Helen and Paul Davis, Husband Earl Dawson, and Sisters Marcille Dear and Daisy Hurst.
Visitation will be on Monday, April 17, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 also at the funeral home with Pastor Jay Carter officiating. There will also be an hour calling prior to service from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Burial will follow in Springhill/Backesto Cemetery, Berne.
Preferred memorials are to A.C.C.F. Angel Cancer Fund.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eileen (Davis) Dawson, please visit our floral store.
A.C.C.F Angel Cancer Fund
Decatur IN