Stephen Harry Dawson, Sr., 80, of Huntsville, Texas, was born in Houston, Texas to Ernest Frank Dawson and Ellan Rose Soland Dawson on November 11th, 1943. Steve was the second oldest of five brothers, Pete, Larry, Johnny, and Charles "Charlie". The family moved to Huntsville, Texas in 1954, and a few years later Steve graduated from New Waverly High School.

Steve married the love of his life, Mary Nell Randall on June 12th, 1964. After a few years of marriage, they had their first son Stephen Harry Dawson, Jr. on December 10th, 1967. 3 short years later, they welcomed their second and final child, Russell Randall Dawson on September 7th, 1970. Steve and Mary are the definition of hard workers, and anyone you ask can attest to that. Shortly after graduating high school, Steve began working in Huntsville laying ceramic tile. After this, The Dawson's opened "Big D Mobile Homes" in Huntsville, Texas. Both Steve and Mary invested most of their adult life into this business and made it their own from the ground up. After integrating their sons into the business, they decided to branch out and open many locations, which grew the company tremendously. Before selling, they had 15 locations throughout Texas. Though one could say this business was a big enough accomplishment, Steve decided to continue on in his career by entering the banking industry. Steve became the Director of multiple financial institutions. In addition to this, Steve was also a very active member of the Chamber of Commerce in Huntsville. In his free time, he enjoyed serving his elderly community at Grand Person's Center, as well as his beloved church. When he was not working, you could likely find him and his family sailing across the Atlantic on his boat, "Princess Maria", or fishing out on Sunset Lake with his grandchildren.

Steve was a very active member and leader of his church, Chapelwood Baptist Church, which he helped found in 1965. He served as a Deacon at Chapelwood for many, many years. He loved to give back to his community of Huntsville and was a friend to all. Throughout Steve's life, his biggest passion was being a rancher. His most cherished times involved being out at the ranch with his sons, on his big John Deere tractor (usually tearing something up). As Steve grew older, more of his time included traveling the world with his beloved wife, Mary. Together, they visited the majority of the United States and Europe. When not traveling or being out at the ranch, Steve loved to spend time with his family, where he was known as, "Papa". The one thing Steve valued as much as his relationship with the Lord, was his family. Anyone who knew "Papa", knew how proud he was of his sons and grandchildren.

There was never a person that Steve could not befriend. Whether it be in Church, the grocery store, or the hardware store, he was always talking to someone and making a new friend. Steve's heart for others was shown through everything he did. Just by talking to him, you could see how much he loved life and radiated the Lord's love. Steve's favorite song in Church was "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow", and he never failed to shed a tear every time he heard it. He knew Christ as his Savior, and this song identified to him his trust in his faith. The world was a much better place with Steve in it and he will be missed greatly by his family and many, many friends.

Steve is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Mary Dawson and their 2 sons, Stephen Harry Dawson, Jr. and wife Tricia, and Russell Randall Dawson and wife Elizabeth, brothers Pete Dawson and wife Marilyn, and Larry Dawson and wife Jackie, sister in law, Suzanne Norris Dawson, grandchildren Stephen Harry Dawson, III (Trey), Madison Dawson, Avery Dawson, Spencer Dawson, Gracie Dawson, Chloe-Simone Budzik, Coleman Wyatt, and great grandchildren Everett and Braxton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ellan Dawson, and his brothers Johnny and Charlie Dawson.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 10th between 4 PM and 6 PM at Heritage Oak Funeral Home at 1080 I-45 Frontage Rd S, Huntsville, Texas 77340. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, December 11th, 2023 at 1 PM at Northside Baptist Church, 1207 FM 980, Huntsville, Texas 77320.