Joseph Dawson

Dawson, Joseph Charles,84, died peacefully at Baptist Health Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by his loving family on January 4, 2015.He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Edna (Koch) Dawson, his brothers Rodman and Jerome Dawson, and sisters Rita Klarer and Mary Catherine Reidmiller.He was a graduate of Flaget High School, Class of 1948. He met his soul mate and life partner, Dolores Ann Kelly and they were married in 1950. He then served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was Honorably discharged in 1955.For 35 years, he was a dedicated employee at the Louisville Courier-Journal where he participated in the publication process of the newspaper. He often described working among the excitement of the newspaper business when it provided the main source of current events for the public. He would become animated reflecting upon the harried pandemonium of printing a second edition of a late-breaking news story on short notice. His many years in retirement were enriched with robust health, travel and gatherings of relatives and friends at the family cabin at Rough River. Boating, water sports, and vigorous summer activities were encouraged always available to any visitor to the cabin. Many summer evenings were marked with sunset cruises and campfire storytelling late into the night. His interests also included gardening, fishing, planning and constructing building projects. However, throughout all his adult life, his directed focus was the care and welfare of his family, and doting over his grandchildren. Support, guidance, and advice were always extended when needed or requested. During his later years, the family home continued to be a lively gathering place for the neighborhood and extended community of friends, and inviting hospitality was offered to all guests. Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Dolores "Doe" Dawson of 64 years, sons Joseph Jr., Michael (Terry), Patrick (Tammy), daughters Amy Hamm and Bridget Stansbury (Gary). Grandchildren Shawn and Aaron Hamm, Kelly Masden (Chad), Cati Kincaid (Alex), and Karah Dawson, Meghan Dawson (Kenny), and great-grandchildren Dawson Lee Rice, Avery Hill, Harper Masden. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Joseph's life will be conducted at 10 am, Friday, January 9, 2015 at St. Edward's Catholic Church, 9608 Sue Helen Drive, Louisville, KY 40299, with entombment to follow at Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Guests are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, January 8, from 3-8 pm at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Rd.In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Mattingly Center, Inc., a program for adults with disabilities. 1520 Baxter Avenue, Louisville, KY 40205