Drexel "Drex" Dawson passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 1, 2024. He was born in Toronto on February 6, 1934, to the late Minerva and Drexel Dawson and lived his childhood and youth in Toronto, OH where he was active in sports, friends, and commonly working on the Sloane Farm. He was a 1952 graduate of Toronto High School where donning a leather helmet enjoyed success playing football. Upon graduating, he became an apprentice then journeyman carpenter in the Ohio Valley and elsewhere traveling many places for his craft. Through his career Drexel became a formidable Construction Superintendent for the Guy Johnston Company out of Steubenville and the Cattrell Companies out of Toronto and managed many major projects but one he was particularly proud of was in 1960 working on the construction of the St John Arena in Steubenville. He continued in this capacity (and helping many others with home repair projects or tinkering on repairs) for over 40 years until his retirement in the mid 90’s.

“Drex” as his friends, family, and close colleagues called him was also a great conversationalist and always took the time to speak and listen to people whenever he could, he enjoyed working around his home on weekends, reading novels, repairing anything with a motor, and always going on annual fishing trips as solace from periods of work. He traveled extensively throughout the eastern and southern US states while always calling the Ohio Valley home with family and friends and in 1969 took up residence in Wintersville where he lived for 55 years.

Drex is survived by his wife of 56 years Suanne Dawson (Bezak), sons Michael Dawson (Sherry), Jim Dawson (Karen) and four grandchildren who referred to him as “Pap-pap”: Nicole, Nathan, Nicholas, Gavin and great grandchild Marlee and siblings James Dawson & Marguerite (Ritie) Carnahan.

Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville on Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. service with Rev. William Westling officiating. Burial at Fort Steuben Burial Estates.

The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the staff at The Laurels of Steubenville and Valley Hospice for their compassionate care for Drexel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Valley Hospice or Jefferson County Humane Society.