THE ODESSA AMERICAN

http://www.oaoa.com/obit/obits050902.htm

Julian M. Dawson
KERMIT — Julian M. Dawson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed from this
life to be with God on Tuesday, May 7, 2002, at the Hospice House in Odessa.
Born June 11, 1921, in Bells, Texas, he married Virginia Harper on Dec. 13, 1945. 
They had one daughter, Debbie, and one son, Dru, who will always thank him for the guidance
 he provided in their lives. Julian was a resident of Kermit for 50 years, providing the
 community with love, leadership and support.
Julian’s first love was that of an educator. After teaching for 10 years in the
 Kermit school system, he was high school principal for 20 years. Subsequently,
 he served as a Winkler County commissioner for eight years. He served his community 
and his God in many capacities. He was president of the Community Advisory Council for
 the West Texas State School and served on the Volunteer Council for over 20 years. 
Julian was an involved member of the Rotary Club and the Kermit Chamber of Commerce.
 He founded the Tumbleweed Chefs and was “the chief cook and bottle washer.”
His God and church were at the center of his life, being a member of First United Methodist 
Church and serving on the administrative board. Senior citizens’ rights were also a priority 
to him, serving as a Silver-Haired Legislator in past years and president of the local
 AARP chapter.
Julian is survived by his wife, Virginia; his daughter, Debbie and her husband Larry of Odessa;
 his son, Dru of Odessa; two granddaughters, Jamie of Salinas, Calif., and Alisha of Odessa;
 many nieces and nephews; and his many loving friends in Winkler County.
The family would appreciate memorial donations being made to the West Texas State School in
 Pyote or to Hospice House on Sam Houston Avenue in Odessa.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2002, at First United Methodist Church in Kermit 
with the Rev. Beth Harrington officiating. Burial will be at the Kermit Cemetery under the 
direction of Cooper Funeral Chapel.