A Celebration of Life for Timothy Dean Dawson, 67, will be held at the Blue Line Banquet Hall located at the Licking County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge # 127, 6-9 P.M., Saturday April 11, 2026, with an honors ceremony presented by the Ohio State Highway Patrol at 7 P.M.  Family and friends are welcome to help us remember and celebrate Tim's life. Light refreshments will be provided.

Devoted husband. Consummate Public Servant. Mentor. Amazing father and beloved grandfather. Civil War Scholar, Bourbon Connoisseur and lifelong Buckeye and Browns fan. Tim passed away at his home in Utica, OH on January 21, 2026, and was surrounded by his loving family until his last breath. His impact on this earth will carry on not just through his professional contributions but in the love of his family as well. Tim dedicated his entire lifetime to the betterment of his community and his family. Survived by loving wife of 32 years Suzanna Dawson; son, Timothy (Hannah) Dawson; daughter, Brandy Dawson; grandchildren, Tayte, Tripp, Hagen, Emma, Kinsey and Brant; siblings, Daniel (Keri) Deskins, Johanna (Brian) Salsbury, Matthew (Sindy) Lang, and Heidi Kaufman; sister-in-law, Sally Shaffer; and brother-in-law Al (Andrea) Shaffer; and several nieces and nephews.

Tim was preceded in death by his aunt, Judy Stevens, and best friend, Chris Slone.

Growing up in Willard, Ohio, he was the son of the late Ralph. P and Maxine A. (Brown) Dawson. Tim graduated from South Central High School and attended The Ohio State University. He found his calling in law enforcement and was a Graduate of The Ohio State Patrol Training Academy. He proudly served as an Ohio State Trooper for over 32 years retiring as a Seargent. Blessed with an incredible work ethic and desire to serve, once retired he continued as an Investigator for The City of Delaware Prosecutors Office. Since 2019 and at the time of his passing he served with distinction in the Special Investigations Unit as a valued member of Auditor Keith Fabers Personal Protection Detail. Throughout his law enforcement career Tim was instrumental in Leadership Development for the State Patrol. As an instructor for the Ohio Association for Chief of Police he specialized in emotional intelligence and leadership. His greatest contribution to the men and women of the Ohio State Patrol was that of mentoring young law enforcement officers. His passion for personal development and the education of officers was legendary.

Always with a desire to serve and provide leadership Tim also was a member of The Ohio Paint Horse Association and served as President as well as holding other offices along the way. Success continued to follow Tim as they celebrated winning a World Championship just prior to his accident.

As coworkers often become family, we would like to recognize Staff Lt. Molly Harris, a woman who Tim mentored at the Ohio Highway Patrol. Tim had incredible pride in her development as an officer. Ty Walker, Tim's dedicated partner in the Special Investigation Unit. Retired Sgt. Charlie Spurgeon and many men and women that wore the black and gray. Special mention to OHP Dispatcher Brenda Heskett of the Granville Post.

The family wishes to acknowledge the incredible support and love shown from Kevin and Marty Cook, Brian and Connie Runkle, Dawn and Troy Cochran, Rick and Sandy Vondenhueval, Todd Thompson and Tim Snapp. The family is eternally thankful to the Office of The Auditor of State and Alex Bilchak for their unwavering support. We are deeply indebted to Hospice of Central Ohio for their compassion and care at the end of Tim's journey.