William Jay Dawson

William Jay Dawson, 77, of South Bend, died Friday, June 7, 2024 at Raclin House in Mishawaka.

He was born July 16, 1946 in Evansville.

On November 24, 2000 he married Joan L. (Whitmer) Martinson.

She survives along with two daughters, Jennifer (Derek) Odiorne of Wakarusa and Janelle Baker of Mishawaka; a step-daughter, Christine (Brian George) Hall of New Braunfels, Texas; a step-son, Mark (Megan) Hall of Stockton California; three grandchildren, Jesse (Lizzie), Emma and Ernie; two step-grandchildren, Lucas and Owen; a great-grandson, Jake Odiorne; a brother, Lyman “Bud” F. Dawson, Jr. of Warsaw; a half-sister, Deb (Dave) Swango of Rochester; and one stepbrother, Harold Dawson of Staunton, Virginia.

Along with his parents, Jack Willis and Doris Mae (McCarthy) Dawson, he was preceded in death by his adopted father, Lyman F. Dawson; a sister, Beth Masterson; and a brother, Richard McGothlin.

A 1964 Mentone High School graduate, William served in the US Army in Vietnam from 1964 to 1965. He started working as a salesman at Clean Seal Inc. and helped build the company from the ground up that is now known internationally. He spent over 37 years with the company retiring as the Vice President and General Manager.

He joined the Kiwanis in 1976, served as president of the Nappanee morning Club from 1978-79; served as Lt. Governor of the Land of Lakes Division from 1981-82; Indiana District Governor from 1987-88; Indiana’s Circle Key Leader from 1980 to 1983; International Sergeant of Arms for Kiwanis International Conventions for 21 years.

He was a member of the Nappanee American Legion for 52 years, Bremen Masonic Lodge for 51 years, York-Rite, Plymouth for 50 years, Scottish Rite of South Bend 50 years, a 32-degree mason and participated in a men's Bible study at the Trinity Church, South Bend.

Over the years he enjoyed many activities such as model trains, boating and fishing, motorcycles, watching races of all types, spending time with family and friends. In his later years his pets brought him much comfort and you would always find his dog Maggie, a shelty, by his side. His grandchildren called him “Woo Woo”. This nickname was given to him by his eldest grandson Jesse, when first learning how to talk because of Bills interest in trains. His home at the time was located close enough to hear the “woo woo” of the trains when visiting.

Visitation will be Friday, June 14 from 1 p.m. until the 3 p.m. memorial service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Officiating will be his good friend Rev. Steve Chupp.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Riley Children’s Hospital; https://www.rileykids.org/ or Goshen Kiwanis Foundation via Elkhart Community Foundation; https://www.inspiringgood.org .

Online condolences may be shared at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com