David Dwain Dawson, age 79, passed away on September 28th after a lengthy battle with cancer.  Dave was born in Taylorville, Illinois, on January 25th, 1944, the son of Neal Benton and Edna Irene (Brown) Dawson.  He is survived by his wife Lynn (Bifford) Dawson, his daughters Amy Yuzenas (Dennis) and Sarah Dickinson (Jim), and bonus daughters Lindsay Hedden (Nathan) and Lauren Murtha. He adored his five grandchildren Abby Yuzenas Parker (James), David Yuzenas, Carter Dickinson, Davis Dickinson, and Olivia Hedden, and his nephew Michael Dawson, all of whom will miss him tremendously.  Mark Alan Dawson, his brother, preceded him in death.  

   Dave was a tool design engineer and manager at Caterpillar in Decatur for many successful years.  He loved music, movies, and sports of every kind, especially the University of Michigan football team.  He cared deeply about the environment and human rights and passed these ideals on to his children and grandchildren.  Dave was extremely proud of his family and made countless visits to them across the country, never missing a grandchild’s graduation. Some of his favorite vacations were visiting Pere Marquette State Park, Starved Rock State Park, sailing the Caribbean on a Windjammer tall ship, and exploring Ireland.  

   Dave’s laughter and sense of humor will live on in our memories forever. We hope that Dave is sharing a cheeseburger in paradise with Jimmy Buffett and swapping stories with old friends.  

   A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 22nd from 3:00–6:00 at Burton’s Tap in Langleyville. In lieu of flowers, we encourage people to make a gift to their charity of choice, or go out for a meal with friends or family and raise a glass in Dave’s honor.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of David, or condolences to his family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.