Gene Rhea Dawson, long-time Chandler resident was born to Roy Lee and Gene Rhea (Herndon) Dawson on May 5, 1938, in Seminole, Okla. He died September 18, 2019, in Oklahoma City at the age of 81 years.
Dawson graduated from Chandler High School in 1956 and was a member of the All State Football Team his senior year.
He served in the Army National Guard, retiring after 26 years of service, and was in law enforcement for many years, serving with the Chandler Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s office and as a Special Investigator with the Lincoln-Pottawatomie County District Attorney’s office.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Eugenia Tyner-Dawson; four sons, Gene Rhea Dawson, Jr., Wesley Dawson, Michael Dawson and wife Laura, and Matt Dawson and wife Kalen; one sister and brother-in-law, Kristie and Jimmy Clarkson; niece Teri (Clarkson) Tis-low; nephew, Greg Clark-son; five grandchildren, Dalton, Daxton, Madelon, Logan and Morgan; one step-daughter, Margaret Franklin and her children, Calib, Mayraya and Icle Brewer; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, September 23, 2019, at Parks Brothers Chapel in Chandler with Rev. Hugh Willoby officiating. Burial followed at Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler with Don Abney officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.