R. Stephen "Steve" Dawson

Robert Stephen “Steve” Dawson, 82, of Coshocton, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Steve was born in Coshocton to the late Robert Truman and Doris Evelyn (Underwood) Dawson on October 21, 1942.

Steve attended Lincoln Elementary School, or "Stinkin' Lincoln" as he called it, and graduated from Coshocton High School in 1960. He participated in the high school band and was drum major of the marching band in his senior year. After graduation, he attended Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. While there, he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and was the drum major at OWU marching band. After two years, he went on to Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he graduated in 1964. At Cincinnati, Steve received the Bowsher medal for outstanding student in restorative art, and the Mu Sigma Alpha key for high scholastic achievement. 

On April 1st 1964, he began his career at Dawson Funeral Home, working with his grandfather, Arthur, and father, Bob, at 186 Park Ave. in Coshocton. Later, in 1980, the family sold their business to the Given family and became what is known as Given-Dawson Funeral Home. In the fall of 2004, Steve retired after 41 years, just in time for deer season.

While at the funeral home, he maintained the Dawson Ambulance service. During that time, he was recognized by the Coshocton County American Heart Association for becoming a CPR instructor, he was a first aid instructor for the American Red Cross Chapter, and was a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician. Dawson Ambulance remained in service until 1976. Steve also served for 17 years as the First Lieutenant volunteer firefighter for the Coshocton City Fire Department until the reserves were dissolved. He enjoyed his time running the Dawson Ambulance Service and the Coshocton Fire Department "Hale Station." During this time, Steve became a business partner at Anderson Silver Image, later transitioning into Cameras, Etc on Main Street, in addition to owning/operating Mid-Ohio Monuments and Bronze Co. on S. Second Street.

Steve was a founding member of the Coshocton County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, enjoyed the Archeology group at Schumaker’s Farm and was a proud lifetime member of the NRA. Steve loved deer season, especially the time spent at the Titus's family cabin in Linton Mills. 

Steve is survived by his daughter Sherri (Tim) Matis of Fresno, Ohio; granddaughters Morgan and Sydney Matis of Kent, Ohio; brother David (Patti) Dawson of Crawfordville, Florida; niece Denise (Robbie) Graham of Orient, Ohio; step-mother Marilyn Dawson of Coshocton; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Steve is preceded in death by his great nephew Drey Meine; aunts Louel (Bill) Williams and Louise (John “Bud”) Dawson.

Friends may call at The Miller Funeral Home, 639 Main St. Coshocton on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 4:00 PM – 6: 00 PM, where a funeral service for Steve will begin at 6:00 PM with Lloyd Tenney officiating.

After the service, a cremation will take place and a burial of his cremated remains will be held in the Dawson family burial plot at South Lawn Cemetery, Coshocton.

In lieu of flowers, Steve has requested that donations be made to the Coshocton County Chapter Ohio Geneaological Society, P.O. Box 128, Coshocton, Ohio 43812 and/or the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, 175 South Third St. STE 700, Columbus, Ohio 43215; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.