Monday, August 28, 2023, John Robert Dawson, 70, of Shelbyville, passed away peacefully at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Late that night as John closed his eyes for the last time, the moon shone brightly as the clouds lifted and the Angels ushered him to Heaven.
John married the love of his life, Randi Pike, on October 31, 2004. They spent all 18 years of their marriage in Shelbyville where they made their home and raised their son, Donovan Pike. John called Shelby County, home for his entire life.
John, the youngest of five children, was born on December 17, 1952, to Lillian (Snapp) Dawson and Stanley Dawson. John attended Shelbyville High School and went on to work at Huber Brothers where he performed Multiple skills. He then went on to work in the Medical Supply Industry where he delivered and then managed medical supply routes.
John truly enjoyed being on the road and he often visited family and friends on his return from his delivery routes. John also ventured into becoming a small business owner partnering with his family in establishing Don’s Pizzaria in downtown Shelbyville.
It’s fair to say that family was John’s first love. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Randi; loving father to his son, Donovan; and proud grandfather to his grandson, Austin. There was nothing on this earth that John would not have done for his family.
In a word, John was a kind and loving man. He would give the shirt off of his back to help a stranger. He enjoyed life to the fullest and spread his smile and joy for life throughout his life’s journey.
As far as holidays go, Halloween was by far his favorite. He chose Halloween as the day to get married and he spent countless days and hours decorating his home for Halloween night. Anyone that drove through Shelbyville during the month of October was sure to linger in front of his home enjoying the many lights, props and decorations that he and his family so enjoyed sharing.
John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jeannie Huber and Donna Brown; brother-in-law, Ronnie Brown; and nieces, Dee Huber and Tiffany Brown.
In addition to Randi, John is survived by his son, Donovan Pike; grandson, Austin Pike, brothers Gary Dawson and wife, Debbie Morrell Dawson, and Joseph Dawson and wife, Christine Jones; and several beautiful nieces and nephews.
While John was thoroughly devoted to his family and his job, he did find time to enjoy a little me time now and then. If he wasn’t at home or at work there’s a good chance that you could find him, nuzzled up to a Slot Machine, at the Live Casino in Shelbyville. And when John shared his casino stories, he was either winning or headed back to collect the prior casino donation he left in the last slot machine that drew him in.
John lived a good life and he loved deeply. We take comfort in knowing that John is now at peace in Our Father’s Heavenly Kingdom.
He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 am, Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.
Funeral services will follow at 11:30 am, Saturday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Scott Sharp officiating.
Interment will be at Miller Cemetery in Shelby County.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.
Online condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
