Jerry E. Dawson's Obituary
Mr. Jerry E. Dawson, well known musician, teacher and music director passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2006 after many years of serving his community and sharing his love of music with people of all ages. Jerry, born in Shelby, MI on April 13, 1923, was the eldest son of Charles and Gladys (Cargil) Dawson. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and a younger brother, Charles. He began his music career at a very young age and was a proud member of the Muskegon High School Big Red Band under the direction of William Stewart. Jerry Dawson’s Orchestra was very well known in the Muskegon area in both pre and post war years. In 1942 he met and married Mary Ellen Byrnes and she preceded him in death in 1988. Together they had eight children. A son, Jerry, preceded him in death in 1957. In 1989, Jerry married Verna Nicola, who died in 1999. In 2000 Jerry married Phyllis Bianchi, who survives him. Jerry served in the Army Air Corp during World War II. After the war, he attended Michigan State University where he majored in Instrumental Music Education. He performed with many bands, as well as his own dance band over the years, including the West Michigan Concert Winds, The Bob Warnaar Big Band, Tiny Piper, The Sun Coasters and Tony Horvath. Since his retirement from the Muskegon Heights Public Schools Jerry has volunteered in the instrumental music departments at Steele Middle School, Mona Shores Middle School, Orchard View, Catholic Central, as well as school districts in Florida. He was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans and the Knights of Columbus. Jerry was active in his church, St. Thomas the Apostle, and served as the choir director at St. Mary’s for many years. SURVIVORS include his wife, Phyllis Dawson; his children, Ellen Fogle of The Colony, TX, Mary Jane (Bill) Cook of Muskegon, Richard (Lori) Dawson of Traverse City, Patrick (Sherry) Dawson of Fruitport, Suzanne Lack of Muskegon, Kathleen (James) Dawson Sierminski of Oak Park, IL and Thomas (Teri) Dawson of Montague; 4 step-children; 22 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be 11:00 AM Thursday at St. Thomas Catholic Church. VIISITATION with the family will be 2-4 and 6-8 Wednesday with a 7:00 PM Scripture Service being prayed at
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
737 Apple Ave.
231-726-5210
Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. MEMORIALS to St. Thomas Education Fund or the Instrumental Music Programs at the schools listed above that Jerry worked and volunteered at would be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their “Online Guestbook” at www.sytsemafh.com
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