Lowell Herbert Dawson, 87, passed away November 23, 2025, after a long valiant battle with cancer. Herb was born November 12, 1938, in Crum, WV to George and Jesse Raines Dawson. He grew up in Crum and became the valedictorian of the 1957 senior class of Crum High School. Herb graduated from Marshall University in 1961 with a degree in teachers education. He married Ruth Ann Varney the same year, and they stayed together for 24 years. He attained his Masters in Music Education in 1967. Herb was very proud that he had taught music in many local schools for 36 years and reminded everyone frequently that he had certain habits and thoughts because - he was a teacher. During his teaching years he also formed a rock band that was locally popular. In addition to his love for all things music, Herb developed a passion for genealogy. He assisted many people in search of their family roots, spending endless hours pouring through books, searching websites, and calling experts that he knew to seek their council. Herb enjoyed locating soldier burial sites to ensure that markers of recognition could be placed for future generations to find and not forget. Herb was a member of many organizations including: the Masonic Lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Odd Fellows, Eastern Star, Kentucky Colonel, Hillbillys, Rebekah, Shriners, Knights Templar, and 33rd degree Mason. Herb was a member of Dunlow Presbyterian Church where he enjoyed playing the piano when he could attend. He greatly loved his family. Herb was preceded in death by all of his siblings: brothers Charles, Jim, Jack and Ralph and sisters Dollie and Mary Carroll as well his beloved nephews, Ronnie, Jackie Roger, and Chuck. Herb leaves behind his son Jeffrey (Bilinda) Dawson of King, NC; three grandsons, Zackerie (Brooklyn) Dawson of Winston Salem, NC; Brandin (Robin) Dawson of King, NC; and Shawn Dawson of King, NC; four great-granddaughters that he was enamored with, Abigail Collins, Raven Dawson, Phoebe Dawson, and Dorothy Dawson; nephews R.L.Dawson, Jon Dawson, and Bobby Dawson; nieces Jennifer Kleeman, and Cindy Huffman. Herb also leaves behind his special lifelong friend, Nettie Messer, his friend Kathy Wallace, and his granddog, Gyzmo, who loved him very gently and patiently.

Visitation will be from 12-2:00 Saturday, November 29, at the Wilson Funeral Home in Louisa Kentucky. Pastor Kenneth Allen will officiate the service that follows. A Eastern Star service will be held at 1:45 prior to the funeral and Masonic Graveside Rites will be at Frazier Hill Cemetery in Fort Gay following the service.