Phillip W. Dawson
GERMANTOWN HILLS - Phillip W. Dawson, 83, of Germantown Hills passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.
He was born on January 1, 1941, in Peoria, IL, to Harry J. Sr. and Olga Dawson. His parents; two brothers, Harry J. Jr. and Gary Dawson; and half-sister, Dorothy Brady/Barnhart, all preceded him in death.
Phil married Janice Wilson on October 21, 1967, at First Baptist Church in Canton, IL. He is survived by his wife of 56 years; two sons, Craig (Angela) Dawson of Peoria and Chad Dawson of Germantown Hills; nephew, Bruce (Marianne) Dawson; and niece, Linda (Jim) Roots.
He graduated from Manual Training High School in Peoria, IL, in 1959, and earned a B.S.M.E. Mechanical Engineering in 1963 and M.S.E.M. Engineering Mechanics in 1973 from Bradley University (Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society).
Phil was baptized and served as a deacon at Howett St. Christian in Peoria, IL. He worked 5 years as a Peoria Journal Star newspaper carrier, interned 3 years at Peoria Public Library and held various engineering roles over 10 years at WABCO and 27 years at Caterpillar, Inc., retiring in June of 2000.
After retirement, he considered himself self-employed as an antique and collectibles dealer with his wife, and as an eBay seller. He volunteered at Harrison School as a one-on-one 4th grader math and science mentor and was a proud American Red Cross blood donor.
Throughout life, Phil enjoyed bowling and basketball and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Bradley Braves and Chicago Bears. He coached little league and organized a slow-pitch softball league at WABCO. He played in the Peoria-area church Dartball League since 1955, where he served as an officer for many years. He immersed himself in family research and was a member and officer of the Peoria County Genealogical Society. He enjoyed attending OLLI classes, gardening, yard work, ponding, reading/book collecting, woodworking and mushrooming and loved black raspberries and, most of all, family.
Private graveside services will be held, with burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.