Grandpa Dawson

Before time flies by I wanted to take a minute and share my thoughts and feelings about Grandpa. He recently left this earth life after 97 years of life. He did some wonderful things while here with us. He fought a good fight and is a great example to our family.

His obituary:

Vernon Roy Dawson, 97, former longtime Pocatello resident, passed away Saturday September 12, 2015 in Idaho Falls. Vernon was born April 16, 1918 to Arla Roy Dawson and Hazel Katherine Stoddard in Pocatello, Idaho where his dad was City Clerk. After living in several different towns the family moved to Burley, Idaho where he graduated from high school. He later attended the University of Idaho until being drafted into the army just prior to World War II. He served as an infantry commander in Italy during the war where he was awarded three Bronze Stars. On October 4, 1946 he married Vernell Butler of Oakley, Idaho in Burley, Idaho, who he met on a blind date. They lived in Burley until 1957 when they moved to Pocatello, Idaho where Vernon was employed by the J..R. Simplot Company Gay Mine for 30 years. Vernon loved to travel and was famous for his “rides” which often resulted in several hundred miles traveled in a single day. He loved going to Yellowstone and often visited the park several times each summer. He was very handy around the house being able to fix many things when they broke. He enjoyed wood working and made many things out of wood. He wasn’t much of a talker, answering questions about his life with few words, but enjoyed being around family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his two sons Greggory (Burnadene) of Kingman, Arizona, Terry (Sara) of Idaho Falls, and 11 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. A viewing will be held at Cornelison Funeral Home in Pocatello Tuesday, September 15th at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at 11:00 am in the Mountain View Cemetery (52 East), Pocatello, with military rites by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello, 232-0542. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com

The weather wasn't kind to us the day of his services but I think of the many hours he spent in service to our country (especially World War 2) in conditions much worse than a little bit of rain. He saw and did so many honorable things that I am in awe of him.

 He has brought forth some strong posterity who will honor his name until they also leave this mortal existence. Each of his seven grandsons are great role models who show love, kindness, and sincerity in everything they do. My memories of grandpa shine through each of these men!

 After being laid to rest and knowing his body is here but his Spirit is already residing with grandma! I am sure he was also laughing at some of the stories shared at his own funeral.

He may have been a man of very few words but his actions speak volumes.

Love you Grandpa!