Ray Dawson

82 of Climax, Michigan passed away peacefully at home Tuesday October 3 2017. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 16 1935 the eldest child of Raymond H. & Gladys (Patterson) Dawson. Family members and friends called him Ron. At a young age Ron's family moved to Detroit and later to Battle Creek, Michigan where he attended Battle Creek Public Schools graduating from Battle Creek Central High School in 1954. Upon graduation Ron enlisted in the US Air Force to serve his country, spending most of his service time in Japan. When he was discharged in the spring of 1958 he returned home to Battle Creek, Michigan. In the summer of 1958 he was introduced by mutual friends to Judy Bolton of Galesburg. Ron and Judy were married on October 24th, 1959 in the Galesburg Congregational Church. Ron and Judy resided in Galesburg where they welcomed their daughter Lori on April 16, 1961. Ron and Judy later moved to Climax, Michigan. Ron worked for many years in the clothing industry as a salesman for Redwood & Ross and spent his last few years before retirement at Green Bay Packaging. Ron loved to fish, bowl, golf, and shared a passion for live steam and model trains with his father-in-law, Jim Bolton. Ron also enjoyed spending time with his family and trips to the casino. Ron is survived by his wife Judy, daughter and son-in-law Lori and Robert Johnson, granddaughter Krystal & Kurt Miskowski, grandson James Johnson, great grandchildren Olivia, Shaelyn, Kurt III, Ally and Emily, sister and brother-in-law Carol & John Kreick, brother Michael Dawson, brother in-law Clark Nulf and sister-in-law Joy Dawson. Also surviving are in-laws Jim & Carol Bolton, Micheal & Debra Bolton, Mary A. Brindley and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Gladys Dawson, sisters Darlene Nulf and Mary Ford, brother Patrick Dawson and his parents In-law Jim and Merna Bolton. As Ron requested there will be no formal visitation or memorial service. A private family graveside service will follow at a later date. Memorials can be made to the charity of your choice. The family suggests that you consider the American Heart Association or the Kidney Foundation. Arrangements by Avink Funeral Home Cremation Society.