Thomas J. Dawson

Thomas J. Dawson, 66, of Connersville, died Friday evening, February 5, 2016, at his residence. Tom was born in Batesville, July 19, 1949, to Troy Burdette and Wilda Alley Dawson and grew up in Metamora. He was a 1968 graduate of Laurel High School and began working at Ford Electronics in Connersville. In 1969, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a Specialist 4 with the First Calvary Division in the Vietnam War. His military decorations included the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars; Marksman rifle M-14 and rifle m-16 and Expert for grenade. Following his discharge, he returned to Ford Electronics where he drove a fork lift for thirty-two years before retiring. Tom was a patriot and served as Commander of the AMVETS for two terms. He also was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Eagles Lodge. He enjoyed his family, the military and studying history. Tom is survived by his sister: Patty A. Good of Connersville; his nephew and his wife: Dennis W. Good and Katherine of Connersville and their children, Colin Good, Owen Good and Loryn Good; his best friend: Lee Davis and his wife, Vanessa of Connersville; his step-children: Laura Wilson; Mary Ellen Peters; Carrie Collins; Butch Peters; and step-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine “Sue” Dawson and a half-brother: Robert Heath. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville. Interment will follow in Metamora Cemetery in Franklin County with military honors by Bernard Hurst Post #77, Brookville. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday where memorial contributions may be made to the AMVETS. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.