Dawson, Edwin 'Ed' Elsworth

Edwin "Ed" Elsworth Dawson, 90, formerly of Albion, died Saturday, July 11, 2009, at the Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at First Friends Church in Marshalltown, with visitation one hour before services. Pursel-Davis Funeral Home, Marshalltown, is entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at

Ed was born March 26, 1919, in rural Albion, to Harold A. and Hazel (Crouse) Dawson. He was raised in the Albion and Liscomb area, attending school in Albion. Ed served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a parachute rigger. On April 7, 1940, he was united in marriage to Pauline Packer. She preceded him in death Nov. 30, 2001. Ed was self-employed, operating Ed Dawson Upholstery in Marshalltown and Albion for over 68 years.

Ed was a member of First Friends Church in Marshalltown, Noon Kiwanis, Albion Lions Club, Oddfellows, and Albion City Council. Ed was an avid golfer, and enjoyed bowling, taking trips with Pauline, and watching sports on TV.

Edwin is survived by his son, Larry (Pat) Dawson of Marion; grandchildren, Dan (Amy) Dawson of Manning, Jennifer (Jason) Arndt of Chicago, Chris (Tawnya) Dawson of Marshalltown, Shelley (Bobby) Griffis of Denison, Texas and Kimberly Dawson of Marshalltown; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Cleo "Lee" (Rosemarie) Dawson of El Cajon, Calif., and Ellis (Gayle) Dawson of Fort Worth, Texas; brother-in-law and lifelong friend, Ralph Packer of Tempe, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Holly Packer of Maple Grove, Minn.; and special friend, Helen McKibben of Marshalltown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Craig; brother, Virgil "Cy" Dawson; and sister, Velda Yoder.

Ed never knew a stranger, enjoying everyone he met. He will always be remembered as a loving father and grandfather. He truly loved life.

Ed's family would like to thank all the friends and family who were always there for him, the wonderful staff at Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center, the staff at Glenwood Place for making his stay so comfortable, and Dr. Terrell for years of caring for the needs of both Ed and Pauline.