Henry Leo Dawson

Henry Leo Dawson

Cedar Rapids

Henry Leo Dawson, 92, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, transitioned into eternal rest on Dec. 15, 2023. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.

Henry was born on Jan. 26, 1931, in Argyle, Iowa, the son of Dwight Henry and Bertha Dawson. He graduated from Argyle High School and later joined the United States Marine Corps. Henry was united in marriage to Mildred Rebecca Lee Boyd on July 30, 1955, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. To this union, five children were born. He moved his family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1957, after being recruited to sing as a member of the Silverlight Gospel Singers. He traveled the country with the quartet group, various church choirs, as a soloist, and with his wife, Milli and their children’s singing group.

Henry grew up on a farm. He loved horses and the outdoors. Henry was also a well sought after cement contractor and a “jack of all trades.” He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports and musical performances and never missed an opportunity to answer their “S.O.S.” calls. Henry was extremely proud of his work as a Deacon at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and then later as an active member of Victorious Life Church, where he served with his grandson and Pastor, Cymaron Dawson. He loved his family and that love spread to his extended family and friends who called him “Deacon Dawson” and “Grandpa.” He was loved by many and will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Survivors include his children, Charlesetta Dawson of Browns Summit, N.C., Kevin Dawson of Cedar Rapids, Luana (Fredrick) Steele of St. Louis Park, Minn., Lisa (Keith) Elzia of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Karl (Lori) Davis of Fredericksburg, Va.; sister, Vivian Smith; sister-in-law, Carolyn Rumph; brother-in-law, Jerry (Karen) Tolson; 14 grandchildren, Cymaron, Brandon, Staisha, Asia, Joshua, Brittne, Derek, Tia, Noah, Shannon, Lejandrea, Sheridan, Dominic, and Dimitrius; seven great-grandchildren, Mykal, Tajia, Alivia, Jayda, Brandon, Aniya, Maliya, and one on the way; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Milli; his parents, Dwight, and Bertha Dawson; siblings, Edith, Esther, Nellie, Chester, and Marceine; and his son, Jeffery Lyn Dawson.

Special thanks to his in-home care team, including nurse, Karmen, and the aides from Right at Home and the amazing staff at Cottage Grove Place for their loving care of Henry and their support for the family.

Please share your love and memories of Henry at ww.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.