Mark Chambers (Chambers)

In our freshman year at Southside I tried out for the football team.  In every practice session, Larry played center.  With every play he stood directly across from me, and made-up surely I hit the ground immediately.  He was huge.  We were friends, and I liked him.  Thanks to Larry I never became a football player.

I pray his life was good.

Richard L. Bear

I, too, have fond memories of Larry the "Mountain Man" on the Archer football team. He was a tough competitor yet quiet and seemed kind of serious. He was always friendly to me and a hard worker. We spent many hot afternoons at "two-a-days" football practice together sweating under that hot August Ft. Wayne sun. I hope he rests on peace. HE was a big man with a big heart.

Richard J. Waltke

Larry Dawson was a very memorable person in my life.  Although we were not close friends, he occupied an important piece of life due to his always friendly personality, and continual presence at Dawson's Root Beer Stand.  I used to

visit the Dawson's Root Beer Stand regularly, as I attended elementary school on Anthony Blvd, about a block away from the stand.  Also, among the many trips to McMillen Park, a stop at Dawson's was mandatory.   Upon getting my drivers' license, continued visits to the stand were necessary.  I am sure that Larry lived a rewarding life.  I know he is finding joy in the world that is now his..

Howard J. Lowden

Larry was just as some have said a gentle giant.  We lived a block from Dawson's Root Beer stand.  We were there everyday when we were in elementary school at Irwin on our bicycles leaning against the octagon (I think it was) drinking root beer for a nickel and eating a coney dog or two or three..  .The RB stand was a hang out in the summer before little league baseball games or going swimming at McMillan..   We would buy our baseball cards at the store on the corner next to the stand and go over and drink a root beer or two.  I remember his mother making him work around the stand...haha.  both Larry and Jim..      

Howard J. Lowden

one more thing....  I remember the way they washed the root beer mugs.  I don't think today you could get away with it.... But, when the glass mugs would come in from the car hops or from us at the counter, they would just dip the mug by hand into soap water, then dip it in clean water (supposedly) and hang it up to dry....They were not dried by towel or heat.  .I don't remember anybody getting sick....  :-). 

Nancy K. Ormsby

I remember the big smile that Larry always had and how he grinned if something was funny.  He was a friendly guy and always courteous.  I am sure he learned courtesy and manners working at the root beer stand and dealing with all kinds of customers.  Liked reading that he lived on a farm and no doubt enjoyed the simple things in life.  May he rest in peace.   

Danny K. Herney

I Am Always Sad When A Classmate Passes Away, Larry Was Always Kind To Me, I Would Ride My Bike To 'Dawson's Root Beer Stand' & Have Two Hot Dogs & An A & W !!! Wonderful Memories !!!

Richard J. Waltke

In reqponse the the Howard Lowden comment on the mugs.  Even as a kid, I wondered how many lips had touched my next mug; and whether my body had the resistance to repel any germs that inhabited that mug I was drinking from.  Thing is, the root beer was so damn good, that I was enabled to take the risk every time.  Apparently it was a good bet, as I am now 73 - 74 years old; and still doing well!

Michael J. Havlin

Sad to learn of Larry's passing. I often played guard to the immediate rignt of Larry in football and always knew my left side would be safe! He was a giant of a man, a great teammate on the field, and a gentle soul off the field. It looks like he greatly enjoyed his life in the country in Illinois, and deservedly so. Rest in Peace, you will be missed.

Susan M. Karns (McMillen)

Larry was a sweet person, I am sure it will be very hard for Jim. He will be missed.