David Charles Dawson

David Charles Dawson, 67, of Viola, Arkansas, passed from this life on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Viola, Arkansas. David was born August 12, 1957, to Bobby Howard and Willie Mae (Laymon) Dawson. 

David was united in marriage to Mary Esther Turner on October 29, 1976, in West Plains, Missouri. David had a lot of hobbies and talents. After high school he attended Votech school and became one of the best auto-body men in the area. He loved fixing up old cars and trading vehicles. He also enjoyed racing cars, pulling trucks, and was a top contender in the truck-pull circuit in the 90's. He loved playing music with friends and family. He wrote poetry and songs and was very artistic and creative. Whether it was chisling an arrow head, or rebuilding an engine, David really could do it all. He was a thinker and hard-worker. While he had a lot of interests, his favorite things were hot rods and diesel engines. He absolutely loved being behind the wheel and hauling heavy loads. He loved his family and was always willing to help anyone who needed it. During his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was so proud of his son and grandchildren. His faith in Jesus Christ was something so special and rare. He was healed of cancer twice during his lifetime and survived a lot of things he shouldn't have. He was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

David leaves to mourn his passing, son: Bobby Dawson (Stephanie) of Viola, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Brooke Brazzell (Kasey) of Jacksonville, Arkansas; Bailey Jo Dawson of Lonoke, Arkansas, Harley Dawson of Viola, Arkansas, Sawyer Dale Dawson of Viola, Arkansas, Sonny Dawson of Viola, Arkansas, and Blake Cartwright (Rachel) of Lonoke, Arkansas; one great grandchild, Josiah Brazzell of Jacksonville, Arkansas; mother, Willie Mae Dawson-Wray of Viola, Arkansas; sister, Diana Oberholtz (Jerry) of Grain Valley, Missouri; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife (Mary Dawson), father (Bobby Dawson), and sister (Patricia Richmond). 

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, February 17, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. Chester Passmore and Bro. Joe Garner officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. until time-of-service Monday, February 17, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home. Interment will be Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Viola Cemetery in Viola, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Brock Love, Jesse Turner, Brandon Love, Randy Moore, Bo Sparks, and Teddy Dillinger. Honorary pallbearers will be John Dawson, Charles Dawson, Ronnie Bomar, and Robbie Bomar. Memorials may be made to the Viola Cemetery in Viola, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Arkansas.