Final Salute

Robert C. Dawson Obituary

Robert C. Dawson, 83, of Lincoln, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2014.

Robert “Bob” was born on May 26, 1930 in Sioux City, Iowa to Rueben and Elsa (Mildner) Dawson. He grew up in Lincoln and was a graduate of Lincoln High and the University of Nebraska, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Bob interrupted his college studies to serve in the United States Navy for two years as a member of the SeaBees.

Bob married his wife, Nancy, on June 10, 1956. Soon after, they moved east where Bob began his career in architecture with Sargent, Webster, Crenshaw & Folley, first in Watertown, N.Y. and then San Juan, Puerto Rico where he worked as project architect. In 1964, he and Nancy returned to Lincoln and Bob joined the firm that became Hemphill, Vierk & Dawson. During his long career he participated in the design of numerous college, university, school, church, bank, office, commercial and government buildings, including the County City building, as well as private residences. He retired in 2006.

Bob was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon and elder. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, Sertoma Club and on the board for Cedars Home for Children. Until Parkinson’s Disease rendered him unable, Bob was a life-long athlete and outdoor enthusiast, running track in high school, playing tennis whenever he could, and participating in numerous backpacking, canoeing, skiing, fishing and hunting trips with friends and family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, James Dawson (Michelle Basil); daughter, Carol Dawson (Kerry Caraghar); son, John (Beth) Dawson; grandchildren, William Dawson, Matthew Dawson, Clare Caraghar, Carter Dawson and Dillon Dawson; sister-in-law, Elly Dawson and brother-in-law, Frank (Sharon) Hemphill. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard B. Dawson and brother-in-law, Paul Hemphill.

Memorial services will be held at 11 am Saturday, 5/3, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2110 Sheridan Blvd. There will be no visitation. Private family burial. Westminster Presbyterian Church (westminsterlincoln.org) and Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org) are suggested to those wishing to make memorial donations. Condolences may be left at www.bmlfh.com