Mr. Lawrence Dawson

Lawrence R. Dawson, 68, of North Aurora, formerly of Glen Ellyn and Elmhurst, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 of complications from colon cancer. Larry was born June 5, 1943 in St. Louis, MO to Beulah L., nee Van Winkle, and George W. Dawson. He is survived by his loving wife Gayle, nee Hoffman; devoted sons Bradley L. Dawson and Keith R. Dawson; daughters-in-law Nicole Dawson and Susan Dawson; darling grandchildren Jack, Matthew, Andrew, Katie, Alec, and Ellie Dawson. Larry is also survived by his mother, Beulah Riegle; brothers William (June) Dawson and Mark Riegle; and sister Lora (Dr. Michael) Lustig; six nieces and nephews; and four great-nieces and great-nephews. Larry was predeceased by his father, George W. Dawson in 1951; infant twin granddaughters Jessica and Sarah Dawson in 2005; and his stepfather, Theodore Riegle in 2011. Larry grew up in Mountain View, MO and moved to the Chicago area in 1958. He graduated from Morton East High School in Cicero, IL in 1961, Morton Junior College in 1963, Northeastern Illinois University in 1969, majoring in American History. He received his Master's Degree in Modern European History from UIC in 1975. Larry taught social studies at Proviso West High School from 1971 until retirement in 2002, and was the department chairperson the last eleven years of his career. Larry proudly served in the US Army from 1965 to 1967 and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. After being honorable discharged from the army he and Gayle were married on July 1, 1967 in Berwyn, IL. Larry faced adversity with hope, courage, and dignity. A memorial visitation will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 235 S. Kenilworth, Elmhurst, IL on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 from 9:30 to 11:30, memorial service to follow at 11:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Larry's name are appreciated to one of the following: American Cancer Society, your local library, First Congregational United Church of Christ to benefit the music program, or to your favorite charity. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 1-630-820-2828.