Gale Collins Dawson

Gale Collins Dawson was born on October 26, 1943, in Russett, Oklahoma, to Lanham I. and Rhea C. Dawson. He passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 82.

After moving from California to Oklahoma, Gale graduated from Yukon High School with the Class of 1961. He proudly served his country in the United States Army beginning in 1964 as a helicopter mechanic and later continued his service in the Army Reserve. Following his military service, he worked in construction with his brother before beginning a decades-long career with Western Electric.

Gale was a true outdoorsman who looked forward to every hunting and fishing season. He also enjoyed bowling for many years on a Thursday night league. He was an avid Oklahoma Sooners football fan and loved watching classic television shows, especially Gunsmoke—always with the volume turned up. He never turned down a good T-bone steak and enjoyed going out to eat on Fridays. His unmistakable laugh had a way of making everyone around him smile.

In recent years, Gale shared a treasured memory of seeing his mother and father studying the Bible together at the kitchen table. He was a quiet and reserved man who kept his faith in God private, but it remained an important part of his life.

Gale was the youngest of seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Jr., H.B., Johnny, Faye, Zelda, and Jerri; and his beloved wife, Linda Packham Dawson, who passed away in July 2025. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage.

Gale is survived by his five daughters: Donna Sharpe and husband Vance, Joyce Hice and husband Larry, Patty Eisenhour, Tracy Robertson and Ron, and Kim Poynter. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom will cherish his memory.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, followed by funeral services at 11:30 a.m. at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Yukon, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Yukon Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered.