Les Dawson, of San Saba, Texas, passed peacefully at home on January 17, 2024, at the age of 81.
Les was born to Edgar and Pearl (Shackleford) Dawson, on October 29, 1942 in Marathon, Texas. He was the sixth of six children, with four brothers and one sister. His family moved to Bertram, Texas, when he was 11 years old. He graduated Bertram High School in 1960. After three years of college at Texas A&M, Les chose to enter law enforcement with the Texas Department of Public Safety graduating as a DPS Trooper in 1964. Les served a total of 30 years with the Texas DPS, first stationed in Bellville, then Hempstead, before requesting to serve in San Saba (where he was for 22 years before retiring). He then served short stints as a San Saba city policeman and Sheriff’s Deputy, and finally 16 years as San Saba County Justice of the Peace.
Les married Wanda in 1960 and had three children: Richard, Karen, and Tommy. He later married Brenda in 1983, raising her two boys: Michael and Jarrod Beck. But his childrearing years were not yet over, as he later stated “I did such a good job on raising those 5 kids, I then raised two more grandchildren: Bianca and Josie.
Les enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and the great outdoors. When he received his DPS assignment to San Saba “it was like heaven on earth” compared to living near the city. Les loved his family, enjoying time with his numerous children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Some of his favorite hobbies were watching sports, especially his grandkids play.
Les is survived by his wife Brenda, and their five children Richard Dawson and wife Rachel; Karen and husband Don Isham; Tommy Dawson; Michael Beck and wife Autumn, and Jarrod Beck and wife Brooke; 26 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Never Surrender Cancer Foundation of San Saba or the San Saba Volunteer Fire Dept.
