Laverne Philip Dawson

Laverne Philip Dawson, 93, of Stokesdale, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025. He was born on January 23, 1932, in Montezuma, New York, to Glenn and Ethelyn (Fellows) Dawson Moody. Vern took pride in being raised on a dairy farm and always considered himself a farm boy at heart. He was a Korean War veteran, proudly serving from 1951 to 1955 in the United States AirForce. He married Sylvia Jane DiDomineck in 1956 in Seneca Falls, New York.

After graduating from business school, Vern was hired as a claims adjuster at Utica Mutual Insurance Company, where he faithfully worked for 30 years. A devoted husband and father, caring for his family was his top priority. Vern enjoyed meeting people and loved sharing stories from his past with anyone willing to listen. He was always hunting for good deals at garage sales, and you never knew what treasure he would bring home, restore, and often resell. Vern enjoyed collecting items that caught his interest, including antique bottles, collector’s knives, and coins. Over the years, he and Sylvia had several cats, but his favorite was “Callie". He retired in 1994 from Utica Mutual, and he and Sylvia enjoyed 30 wonderful years of retirement. During that time, they traveled, built two homes in Galax, Virginia, and finally settled in Countryside Retirement Community in Stokesdale, North Carolina, where they have lived for the past twelve years. Vern will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Ethelyn (Fellows) Dawson; stepfather, Harold Moody; sisters Lucille and Elsie; brother, Bub Dawson; and extended family.

Surviving to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 69 years, Sylvia Jane Dawson; sons, Thomas (Marilyn) Dawson of O’Fallon, Illinois, and Daniel (Tina) Dawson of Reidsville, North Carolina; daughter, Dawn Marie (Daniel) Hoxie of Eagle River, Alaska; grandchildren, Katie (Josh) Anderson, Zachary (Veronica) Hoxie, Joshua (Sydney) Dawson, Bethany (Luke) Mannion, Jonathan (Kristen) Dawson, Brandon Hoxie, and Lucas (Michelle) Hoxie; and twelve great-grandchildren, Greyson, Kinsley, Albany, Judah, Aurora, Abby, Sam, Wyatt, Stetson, George, Lucy, and Luca.

A private memorial service will be held for the family during the first week of November.