Gene Dawson was born March 18, 1951 in Oskaloosa, Iowa the son of Arland Joy Dawson and Margaret Alice (Callahan) Dawson.
Gene started working at a young age as a service station mechanic for Skelly and Amoco stations. He later drove a tank truck hauling gas for Casey’s, Farm Service and Parker Oil. However, he wore many hats in his life. On March 4, 1972 Gene was united in marriage to Cathie Bertrand. The couple has made Pleasantville their home for most of their married life. He had worked for the Savory Hotel and Elsie Mason Manor prior to retirement. Of all his jobs, Gene enjoyed driving a semi the most. Gene had a passion for cars and he enjoyed trading cars for parts and parts for cars, or even motorcycles and working on and driving them. He was also a tractor buff and was loyal to John Deere. Gene also liked collecting and shooting guns. Gene made friends wherever he was and always had a story to share. His greatest love was his family; Gene cherished his wife, children and grandchildren.
Gene passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at the Mercy Hospice, in Johnston, at the age of 64 years with the love of his life by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Allen.
Those left to honor Gene’s memory include his wife, Cathie; children: Jason (Robbie), Rob (Brandy), Nick (Tiffany) and Matt (Ashli); 13 grandchildren: Hannah, Ryen and Eli, Drew, Caylie, Addie, Braylon and Ava; Christian, Evan and Gracie; Ethan and Bailey; siblings: Andy, Aaron, Terri, Ray, Kristy and Roscoe Rater; step-mother, Rose Rater and many other family members and friends.

Memorials may be made to the family.