Joseph Peter Dawson

Joseph P. Dawson Jr, (81) of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on November 4, 2023
at 5:37am.

Joseph, fondly known as Joey but preferred Joe, was born to Joseph (Jumbo) and Dominica “Minnie” (Toots) Dawson, November 9, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri. Joe graduated from Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis, Missouri. He also attended McKendree University located in Lebanon, Illinois.

He worked as a machinist for Buehler Corporation and Allison Transmission. Previous to that, Joe worked as an assistant restaurant manager. He ultimately retired from Marsh Supermarket. He dreamed of being a semi-pro bowler, participating in tournaments locally and across the Midwest (Dayton). Joe coached at Bel-East Little League and basketball at St. Simon’s grade School. Indiana University was his favorite college team and, of course, the Indianapolis Colts. He loved being around family and friends. He was always there when his help was needed. He loved working in his yard, playing Euchre and enjoyed oil painting, woodworking and playing golf. He assisted with the Knights of Columbus Euchre tournaments and was 30 year-plus member of Club East.

When Joe met Myrna, she had two wonderful boys. Joe and Myrna fell in love and were married July 22, 1963. Joe went from an only child to having a wife and two children, Dan and Dennis. On December 8th, 1970 they had their first child together, Paul. A few years later, on August 8th, 1973 they welcomed another son, Patrick. Joe worked hard, took night
shifts and overtime for the extra money. He was a good provider for his family as well as mentor and guide for his children.

Joe is survived by his lovely wife of 60 years, Myrna, and 2 children, Dan Tippit (Debby), and Paul Dawson. Predeceased by him were sons Dennis Tippit and Patrick Dawson, and his parents Joseph (Jumbo) and Dominica “Minnie” (Toots) Dawson. He is survived by five grandchildren: Danny Tippit (Becky), Dawn Droege, Bradley and Jordan Dawson and Zachary Dawson as well as six great step-grandchildren.

Joe and Myrna were longtime members of St. Simon Catholic Church and Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Please consider a donation to Holy Spirit Church and / or Club East in Joe’s name.

PRAYER FOR SERENITY

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.