Malcolm Warren Dawson Oct. 21, 1921 - Oct. 15, 2015

Malcolm Warren Dawson was born October 21, 1921 in Joseph to George F. Dawson and Minnie M. Dawson (Johnson), the youngest of eight children. He passed away in his home October 15, 2015 after several years of declining health, with his wife of 72 years, at his side, surrounded by family and friends.

He graduated from Joseph High School in 1939, worked for a year as a sawyer at Dawson Lumber Company, then attended Eastern Oregon College for two years. He loved music and joined the college choir and the La Grande Presbyterian Church choir where he met the love of his life, R. Jean Jasper. He went to the Army Recruiting Office the day after Pearl Harbor to sign up to serve his country. He wanted to become a pilot but was ordered to remain in college to continue his education and take civilian pilot training in La Grande until a spot opened up for him in the Army Air Corp. After enlisting in 1942, he was trained and stationed at Santa Maria, Calif., and Williams Field, Ariz. Just before receiving his wings, he wrote to Jean and asked her to come down and they’d get married. They were married May 15, 1943. He was discharged in 1945 having achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant, then returned home to join his father and brother George in the lumber business. In 1954, he sold his share of the business to his brother and moved to a farm on Prairie Creek where he had a successful farm and ranch raising crops and registered Hereford cattle.

Family relationships meant a lot to Malcolm. He had five children.

Malcolm was active in the community. He lived a life of service, purpose and integrity. He was a member of the Joseph United Methodist Church where he served as lay leader, directed or sang in the choir. He was a member of Joseph Masonic Lodge #81 AF&AM where he served as worshipful master and a member of Joseph Post #157 American Legion where he served as post commander. He was a founding member of the Wallowa Valley Arts Council. He was an original member of the Wallowa County Planning Commission which developed the first comprehensive plan in the state of Oregon. This plan lead to the creation of the Wallowa Valley Soil and Water Conservation District for which he served as a founding member. To bring free television to the outlying areas of the county, a number of farmers formed the Wallowa Valley TV Association for which he served as the first president. He also served as chair of the Associated Ditch Company and Dobbin Ditch Company. He was a member of the Wallowa County Junior Chamber of Commerce and Wallowa County Stockgrowers Association. When he retired from farming, he moved to Joseph and became a member of the city council and then the mayor of Joseph. He was instrumental in saving the Wallowa Lake Camp from being sold off into lots for summer cabins.

His hobbies included woodworking, singing with the Wallowa County Chorus, reading for knowledge and pleasure. His love of family and friends never ended. He was outgoing and loved connecting with others. He welcomed new people into the community and was open to developing friendships with those who had different beliefs or political affiliations.

He is survived by his wife Jean Dawson, his daughters Mary Garcia (Jorge), Elizabeth Perry (Bob) and Lisa Dawson, 12 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, and his sons John Dawson (Katie) and Jim Dawson (Denise), and great granddaughter Alyssa Dawson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Malcolm’s favorite charities: Joseph United Methodist Church’s Community Building project, Wallowa Lake Camp or Doctors Without Borders or to one of his daughters’ favorite charities: Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Gideons International, or the Wallowa County Community Fund at Oregon Community Foundation.

Celebration of Life will be held at the Joseph United Methodist Church at 11 a.m Saturday, October 24 followed by interment at the Joseph Cemetery and dinner at the Joseph Community Center. Friends who don’t wish to attend the funeral are welcome to join with family and friends at the dinner at approximately 1 p.m.