DAWSON, THOMAS REED ''TOMMY", 66, passed away on April 19, 2026 at Harry Hynes Hospice Inpatient Unit with his loving family by his side.

Known as Dad to his three children, Honey to his wife of 37 years, Grandpa to twelve grandchildren, and Tommy to his friends, Thomas Reed Dawson passed away April 19,2026. Born in the summer of 1959 to Bill and Josephine, Tom was the fifth of seven children and grew up in Valley Center.

A lifelong athlete, Tom was a standout basketball player in high school, where his accolades remain on the all-time lists. His competitive spirit eventually led to a deep passion for golf; over 25 years as a member of Echo Hills, Braeburn, and Derby men's clubs, he achieved the rare feat of a double eagle and three holes-in-one.

Tom served for two years in the Navy aboard an aircraft carrier before a brief period with the railroad. He then joined the Kansas Air National Guard, where he proudly served for 27 years. Following his military retirement, he purchased a commercial HVAC filtration business, a venture that continues to support his family today.

In 1986, Tom met the love of his life. They married in December 1988 and spent 37 years building a family and a life he was deeply proud of. As the patriarch of our family, he led by example, always putting family first and living by the mantra, "Work to live, never live to work."

He will be forever missed.