Robert Lee Dawson

Robert Lee Dawson, 79, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009 at University Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Robert was born March 6, 1930 in Farmington, Iowa. He grew up in the towns of Argyle and Keokuk, Iowa. He graduated Salutatorian, Argyle High School, Class of 1948. He worked as a Porter until he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces in July 1951 as a Manual Teletypewriter Operator and was shipped overseas to Munich, Germany as a Certified Teletype Operator. Robert served as Instructor of non-military subjects of English and Math until he was Honorably Discharged July 1959. He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Campbell on June 2, 1956, in Des Moines, from that union, four children were born.
Robert attended and completed certified courses at Des Moines Area Community Colleges (Ankeny Campus), Iowa State University and Lincoln Technical Institute. He started working for the Internal Revenue Service, September 1962 as mail handler and promoted to various positions until early retirement as Supervisor as Tax Examiner in 1985. Robert was also an accomplished mechanic.
Robert was a well-known Jazz Musician. Mainly known for his smooth and versatile style on the piano, upright and electric basses, being the first to play electric bass in Des Moines. He opened many door for the next generation, especially, African-American musicians. He has left his impression and influence on places such as Center Street, Johnny & Kay's, Ernie's Urban Lounge, Hyatt House, 801 Grand, Top of the Tower (Holiday Inn) and Mel's to name a few. He played a lot of private venues and provided the Live Music for the Ebony Fashion Fair several years. He formed many groups and trios during his "prime," namely the Bobby Dawson Trio. Robert actually began playing banjo, fiddle and guitar in what he said closely resembled "bluegrass" music.
Robert was a member of the Des Moines Musicians Union and the CJC hall of Fame. CJC presented the first Bobby Dawson Award to an outstanding high school jazz music student in 2005 and has been presented annually. He also played as an extra in "Bridges of Madison County," starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, filmed here in Iowa.
Robert is survived by his son, Robert Eugene of Des Moines; three daughters, Roberta Lynn (Marvin) Dawson-Perry of Phoenix, AZ, Mary Jo (Gilbert) Clay of Waterloo, IA and Roxanna Beatrice Lankford of Morrow, GA; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Velma Cameron Boykin of Des Moines; three brothers, Matthew (Jack) of Denver, CO, Arthur (Rosemary) of Moberly, MO and Albert of Washington State. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt C. and Laura May (Crowson) Dawson; brother, Wilbert; three sisters, Evelyn Loggins, Mildred Thompson and Ethel Lewis Jackson.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Corinthian Baptist Church, 814 School St. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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