David Lee Dawson

	David Lee Dawson, 57, of rural Mulkeytown, passed away at his home Monday, December 8, 2003, after a 14-month battle with Leukemia.  He was surrounded by his loving family.
	David was born September 7, 1946 in Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin to Lawrence and Nina Mae Naylor Dawson, both of whom preceded him in death.
	David was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Christopher and Mulkeytown Christian Church.  He was a 1964 graduate of Christopher High School.  He retired from Peabody Coal Co.  River King Mine at Marissa after 32 years of service.
	He was a loving husband and father and took pride in his family and grandchildren, giving them encouragement as he followed each of them in their activities.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
	David is survived by his wife, Gretchen Ann Szczeblewski Dawson of Mulkeytown; a son, David William Dawson of Nason; a daughter and son-in-law, Tina Jo and John Galik and three grandchildren, John II, Matthew and William, all of Sesser; one brother and sister-in-law, Larry Gene and Charlotte Dawson of Mulkeytown and their children, Larry S., Levi and Charla; one sister and brother-in-law, Donna Rae and John Harland of Murphysboro and their children Denise Beavers and Kenneth Harland Jr.; a half-aunt, Virginia Dawson and other family members and many friends.
	Visitation was from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.  Services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Andrew Catholic Church with Father Steve Poole officiating.  Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Mulkeytown.
	In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
