David E. Dawson, 79, of East Brady died Thursday at Heritage Valley Hospital, Beaver.

Born Aug. 19, 1930, in Armstrong Mills, Ohio, he was the son of William E. and Nettie J. (Ramsey) Dawson.

He enjoyed fishing, going to casinos, and spending time with his family and friends.

He was an assistant manager at the Dow Drug Co. in Landover, Md., for seven years and a fork lift operator at Scotty's Home Center in Naples, Fla., for 20 years.

He retired in 1968 after 20 years service in the U.S. Air Force. He was recipient of a National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, a Good Medal Conduct Medal with Five Bronze Loops, and an Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters.

He served our country during the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

He was a member of St. Paul Community Church, Sugarcreek Township, Armstrong County.

He was a life member of the VFW Post 7721, Golden Gate, Fla.

He is survived by his wife, Madeline R. (Bishop) Dawson of East Brady, who he married Sept. 12, 1983; a daughter, Donna Dawson; a stepdaughter, Linda K. Jay of Naples, Fla.; a sister, Irene Taylor of St. Joe Bellaire, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Emma Choura of Mars; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and family and friends in Midland.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter and a sister.

<B>DAWSON</B> — Friends of David E. Dawson, who died Thursday, July 15, 2010, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the <B>Charles B. Buechele Funeral Home</B>, 105 Fourth St., East Brady.Funeral services will be at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Randall Forester, pastor of St. Paul Community Church, officiating. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery.