in memoriam

expanded eulogies

Charlotte Dawson

Charlotte Dawson, 90, of Clements, Kansas, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, at St. Luke Living Center in Marion, Kansas.

The daughter of Edward Breese Thurston and Osha (Jack) Thurston, Charlotte was born Aug. 15, 1927, at Elmdale, Kansas. Charlotte and Carl Junior Dawson were married July 31, 1944, at Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

In the early years of her marriage, she was a homemaker and mother and also helped in the farming operation when needed. She then worked as a purchasing agent for Phillips Industries at Newton, Kansas; Heckendorn Manufacturing Co. at Cedar Point, Kansas; and finally for her younger brother, Jim, at Round-up Enterprises at Hillsboro, Kansas.

After retiring Charlotte enjoyed working in her yard and always had beautiful flowers in the many rock flower gardens built by her husband. She also enjoyed the many visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandkids. Charlotte especially enjoyed taking care of the grandkids and great-grandkids when they came to spend time on the farm. She cherished visits from neighbors and friends and always had hot coffee, a cold drink, or a warm meal to share. She recently received her 50-year pin from the Kansas Order of the Eastern Star.

Charlotte is survived by her sons, Kenneth Carl Dawson and wife Vicky of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas; Dennis Edward Dawson and wife Sharon of Cedar Point, Kansas; and Steven Bruce Dawson and wife Susan of Emporia, Kansas; 11 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents; husband Carl J.; daughter Claudia Joan Nilssen; brothers Prentice Thurston, Charles Thurston, and James Thurston; and great-granddaughter Nealy Shae Duerksen.

Private family graveside services were held Monday, Feb. 26 at Clements Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Charlotte’s memory to the Chase County Historical Society or Salvation Army may be sent in care of Zeiner Funeral Homes, 205 Elm St., P.O. Box 6, Marion KS 66861.