WABASH – Robert E. “Bob” Dawes, 80, of LaFontaine, went peacefully to be with Jesus at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 9, 2013. His life was dedicated to his Lord, his family, his friends and his church family. He was born May 3, 1933, in Wabash, to Harold F. and Ruth Gillespie Dawes. On Aug. 21, 1955, he married Theda Snider. He was a 1951 graduate of LaFontaine High School, received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Manchester College in 1956, a master’s degree in education from Ball State University and attended seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He taught one year at Noble Township in Wabash County, three years at Somerset High School and 37 years at Southwood High School as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, athletic director, and guidance counselor. He was an avid sports fan. He was often found keeping detailed stats or holding a stopwatch on the sidelines of a sporting event. He loved following his grandchildren in their numerous activities and spent hours supporting them and other students in the community with his attendance. He was very instrumental in helping keep his retired teacher/coach friends in contact on the third Thursday of each month. His greatest desire was to interact with and to share his faith with people from all walks of life. He loved being around people. He especially had a passion for helping young people strive to reach their fullest educational potential, and to develop a relationship with Christ. He spent many years investing in students' lives by being the sponsor of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a very active member of the Wabash Friends Church. He is survived by his four children: Brent (and spouse Susan) Dawes, Wabash; Brian (and spouse Donna) Dawes, Leesburg; Cindi (and spouse Mark) Lantz, Milford; and Lori (and Steve) Heath, LaFontaine; his brother, Ralph (and spouse Janice) Dawes, LaFontaine; 12 devoted grandchildren and their families: Josh Dawes, Sherman Way, Calif.; Kyle (and spouse Kelsey) Lantz, South Bend; Jenny (and spouse Jody) Tyner, Wabash; Kory (and spouse Alison) Lantz; South Bend; Amy (and spouse Josh) Cortez, Wabash; Heather Dawes, Indianapolis; Kalyn Lantz, Wheaton, Ill.; Jordan (and spouse Kindra) Dawes, Zionsville; Haley, Taylor and Carson Heath, all of LaFontaine; and Sharde' Armstrong, Chicago, Ill.; great-grandchildren: Avery Lantz, Jaden Cortez and Kasen Tyner; and a foster daughter, Mickey Barton, and her son, Levi, Columbus, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Theda, on June 5, 2010. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Wabash Friends Church with David Phillips and Alex Falder officiating. Burial will be in Friends Cemetery, Wabash. Calling will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, and one hour prior to the service Friday at the church. ***** Memorials to the Wabash Friends Church or FCA Scholarship Fund through the Community Foundation of Wabash County. Condolences may be sent via www.grandstaff-hentgen.com
