Donald Alan Dawson, 81, of Russell, Kansas died on Monday, January 2, 2023 at Russell Regional Hospital after a severe illness. Don was born on July 20th, 1941 in Russell, Kansas the son of Arthur and Anna (Kost) Dawson. He grew up in Russell and graduated Russell High School in 1959. He attended Fort Hays State University where he got his degree in Psychology before transferring to the University of Kansas and graduating as a Pharmacist in 1966.
After graduating from pharmacy school, Don returned to Russell where he worked as staff pharmacist with his family at Dawson Drugstore. This is where he met his wife, Carol Springer, and was united in marriage March 22nd, 1968. From this union they were blessed with two children, Amy and David. In 1971, Don and Carol opened Don Dawson Pharmacy on Main Street in Russell where Don worked for 42 years before retiring and selling the pharmacy to Midwest Family Health in 2013.
Don is survived by his wife, Carol of Russell, KS, daughter Amy Winklepleck and her husband Brett of New Braunfels, TX and son David Dawson of Lantana, TX; five grandchildren: Braden Winklepleck of Lewisville, TX, Regan & Rylie Winklepleck of New Braunfels, TX and Tyler and Brooke Dawson of Flower Mound, TX. Don is also survived by Brother in Law, Steve Springer and wife Sherry of Rosalia, KS and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved and adored. Don is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Harry Dawson, and sister, Alice Graham.
Don was a dedicated business owner in Russell his entire life and was proud of his affiliation as an ELK and Mason. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and an avid sports fan, especially watching his alma mater, KU.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don’s name to First Congregational Church of Russell or the Russell Masonic Lodge #177.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 9, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell where Masonic Rites will be conducted. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday, January 8, 2023 at the mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of these arrangements.