Thomas Richard Dawson

Thomas Richard Dawson, age 82, of Erie, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024 at his residence.  He was born on October 4, 1941, a son of the late Clifford and Hattie Branson Dawson.   Thomas was a graduate of Academy High School and Gannon University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.   He was employed by the county of Erie as a counselor and caseworker and by GECAC as a job developer and program director until his retirement in 2003.  Once voted ‘the friendliest guy’ and ‘a guy with a mellow voice & a million friends,’ Thomas had a love for singing which began in the 7^th grade glee club and went on to be a member of the Belvederes, Esquires, Contels and Freddy and the Flashbacks.  He was a member of the 52^nd Army Band Male Chorus while stationed at Fort Ord, CA.  He was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers earning the nickname “the coach” and was a Times Old Newsie.  

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Hixon, siblings, James JJ Reese and Floretta Reese and his daughter Dana B. Dawson.   

Thomas is survived by his son Carmen Dawson (Ebony Britton) of Naples Fl, and daughter Tammy Merriweather (Augustus) of Dayton, OH, grandchildren: Carmen Dawson Jr, Elijah Dawson, Brooklyn Bethea, Augustus Merriweather IV (Melissa) and Ashley Merriweather. 

Family & friends may call at Morningstar Baptist Church, 327 East 23^rd Street, Erie, on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor D.F. Hunter officiating. Burial will follow in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Service Inc. Downtown, 602 W. 10^th Street, Erie. 

Send condolences at www.burtonquinnscott.com