Dennis Ray Dawson

Dennis Ray Dawson, 70, of Pleasant Lake, Indiana, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on April 27, 2026, after a nine-year battle with Parkinson's disease. 

He was born on January 26, 1956, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to the late Jesse and Winifred Dawson. 

Dennis was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a beloved friend to many. He married the love of his life, Kandi (Bachman) Dawson, on May 15, 1982. In their nearly 44 years of marriage, they shared many adventures and a lifetime of love. They loved traveling together and making memories with family. 

Dennis was a proud member of the Lions Club for seven years and had a deep passion for serving his community and his Lord. As a member of SonLight Community Church in Angola, Indiana, he enjoyed greeting members and visitors alike. Everyone he met was blessed by his gentle spirit and his extraordinary ability to tell a good dad joke. 

He loved being a father and grandfather, teaching his son and grandson countless skills—from hunting and fishing to caring for others. 

Dennis had an associates degree from Kellogg Community College and was a mechanic for many years. He worked for General Motors for 20 years and loved tinkering with motors and working with his hands. Even when Parkinson's made these hobbies difficult, he refused to be deterred and could often be found fixing or building anything he could get his hands on. 

He is survived by his wife, Kandi Dawson, and his son, James (Kristen) Dawson, all of Pleasant Lake. He was also the doting "Pa" of Johnathan Dawson. Also surviving are his sister, Vena (Ted) Drow, along with a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Virgil Dawson; and his sister, Bernice Farrar. 

A celebration of life will be held at SonLight Community Church, 455 N Gerald Lett Ave, Angola, IN 46703, on May 16, 2026. There will be a coffee and social hour at 10:00 am with a Memorial Service starting at 11:00 and a meal to follow. 

Memorial donations may be made to the MJF Foundation:

Below is a link to a QR Code for Dennis’s MJF Foundation Tribute Page.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P2WIURghAbK2H0Ce2zhQyJW6o0_mzLSE/view?usp=sharing_eil&ts=69f0d77d

Here is the url:

tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3554&np=true