Doyle Edwin Dawson

Doyle Edwin Dawson was born October 13, 1928, and he passed away on February 9, 2023.

Mr. Dawson had a wonderful 94 years on this earth, but his life came with many peaks and valleys along the way. Raised in the farmland and cotton fields of Northeast, Louisiana, he lost his father as a teenager and as the oldest of five siblings he quit school to earn enough money to support the family. He worked as an auto mechanic in Bastrop, Louisiana, and after leaving Louisiana he made short stops along the way in Kentucky, Houston, Port Arthur, then settling in Groves, Texas, to raise his family, all the while working as an auto mechanic until he found his calling as a car salesman.  He excelled and eventually was managing a major auto dealership in Beaumont, Texas, for used and new cars. Later he teamed up with his longtime friend Simmi Polk and they started their own business in the early 70’s as Polk & Dawson Motor Co.  Eventually he opened his own car dealership as Doyle Dawson Motor Co. and that evolved into Dawson Marine with multiple stores in Beaumont, Jasper and Houston.  After a very successful and long career, he retired from his work at the age of 88 in 2016.

Doyle Dawson was quite the outdoors man, had a passion for hunting whether it be ducks, dove, quail, hogs or deer.  He hunted from Louisiana, East Texas, West Texas, and South Texas, over many many years.  Some of his very best friendships came while he shared these experiences.

Doyle was a talented musician, playing the guitar, fiddle, piano and harmonica, all self-taught.  He took in so much enjoyment while playing and entertaining.

He was an excellent cook, being able to cook for both small and large groups.  Amongst his friends and family, he was well known for his specialties like homemade chicken & dumplings, gumbo, wild game dishes, homemade biscuits and cornbread, outstanding BBQ and much much more.  Nothing made him happier than watching friends and family indulging in joy of his cooking.

As our father, our friend, our family he was there many times for family guidance, financial assistance, leadership, and most of all love.

Mr. Dawson is preceded in death by his wife, Belinda Dawson; parents, Wesley Monroe Dawson and Ella Lee Tharp Dawson; three brothers, James Wesley Dawson, Henry Earl Dawson and Huey Lee Dawson; and three half siblings, William C. Dawson, Mildred Dawson Stutts, and Gladys Dawson Pickren.

He is survived by his children, Gail Hollier and husband, Rodney Hollier; George Wesley Dawson and wife, Karena Dawson; and Neko Dougherty; one brother and sister, Charles Dawson and wife, Martha Dawson Paine; seven grandchildren, Michael Landry and wife; Jason Landry and wife; Mitchelle Murelle and wife; Angela Lewis and husband; Jennifer Dawson; Lindsey Dougherty, Bryce Durham; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A gathering Mr. Dawson’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Broussard’s. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Fairmount Cemetery, 13991 Highway 87, Hemphill.