Dean H Dawes, 86, formerly of Wabash, Indiana, died at 10:30 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at Traditions Willow North in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born May 3, 1932 in Urbana, Indiana to Wilbur C. “Toddy” and Nada M. (Shultz) Dawes.
Dean was a 1950 graduate of Urbana High School and briefly attended Purdue University where he studied Agriculture Education. He enjoyed watching and playing multiple sports, played basketball at Urbana High School, tried out for the basketball team at Purdue and participated two years on a semi-pro fastpitch softball team. After service in the National Guard and then with the US Army, based in Germany, he returned to Wabash County where he married Janice Elaine (Dunsizer) Dawes on June 23, 1957. Dean operated a dairy and row crop production farm until his retirement. During that time, he served as Indiana State President for the American Milk Producers Incorporated. An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Dean served two years as President of the local Isaac Walton League. Also deeply dedicated to his Christian faith, he served a term as President of the local Full Gospel Businessmen, was a former Elder in the Presbyterian Church of Wabash, attended bible studies with friends, and locally supported Habitat for Humanity. He and his wife made mission trips to destinations including India, Guatemala, Haiti and Africa. In recent years he attended Bachelor Creek Church of Christ in Wabash.
While accomplishments and successes were considerable, it was his strength of character and faith that everyone found so compelling in Dean. He possessed the physical strength of a rugged farmer but was equally gentle in spirit and showed genuine care for everyone he encountered. And he was deeply loyal to his faith, family and friends.
Dean was preceded in death by his wife Janice, his parents, and his brother Darle. He is survived by his three sons, Dan (Angel) Dawes of Noblesville, Indiana, Doug (Lore) Dawes of Columbus, Indiana, and Dr. Ken (Lisa) Dawes of Carmel, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Emily Dawes of London, England, Nick Dawes of St. Louis, Missouri, Alexandra (Spencer) Gray of Indianapolis, Indiana, Kristen (Mike) Weisshaar of Lexington, Kentucky, Connor Dawes of San Diego, California, Madison Dawes of Indianapolis, Indiana, Brandon Dawes of San Diego, California and Avery Dawes of Carmel, Indiana; two great-grandchildren, Isla and Rooney Gray, both of Indianapolis, Indiana; a sister-in-law Helen Dawes of Urbana, Indiana; and his brothers, Wendel (Janene) Dawes of Urbana, Indiana and Wayne (Judy) Dawes for Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Arrangements are being handled by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash with a public service to be held on Wednesday February 20 at 1:30 pm at the funeral home. Entombment will be in the Chapel of Remembrance Mausoleum at Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Dean H Dawes may be sent to the All India Mission, 11252 Strang Line Road, Lenexa, Kansas 66215 or to Indy Honor Flight, PO Box 10, Plainfield, IN 46168.
Memories of Dean and messages for the family may be placed within the Grandstaff-Hentgen website (www.grandstaff-hentgen.com ) in the memorial guest book tab of his obituary.