George Byron “Bub” Dawson, 90, of Russell, died Sunday, December 16, 2007 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.  Bub was born April 8, 1917 in Russell, Kansas, the son of Ernest and Emma (Bueher) Dawson.  He grew up in the Russell area, graduated from Russell High School and attended Kansas State University for one year. 

Later he joined the Marines and fought in the Pacific during World War II.  After the war he was sent back to the states and was stationed for a short time in Red Bank, New Jersey.  As soon as he was settled, he telephoned Donna Thorman and asked her to come to Red Bank so they could get married.  They were united in marriage on April 12, 1945 in Red Bank, New Jersey and from this union they were blessed with a son, Thomas and a daughter, Susan.

Bub was a co-owner and operator of Dawson’s Drug Store located on Main Street in Russell, which he and his brother owned until the late 1960’s.  It was at that time he purchased and operated the Russell Flower and Gift Shop in Russell.  Bub was an avid Kansas State University football fan and enjoyed having season tickets.  He also enjoyed all types of sports, poker, fishing and painting but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.  He was a longtime member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, the Elks Lodge, the Masonic Lodge of Russell, the ISIS Shrine of Salina and a member and past commander of the V.F.W Post #6240.  He was especially proud to have helped Bob Dole campaign for President.

Bub is survived by his son Tom S. Dawson and wife Kim of Apex, North Carolina, a daughter Susan L. Retter of Concordia; three grandson’s Ben Retter of Concordia, Seth Retter of Overland Park and Peter Dawson of Saginaw, Texas and a granddaughter Kari Starcher of Suwanee, Georgia and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna, three brothers Chet, Wallie and Ernie Dawson and a son in-law David Retter.

A Celebration of Bub’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell.  Burial will follow at Russell City Cemetery with military rites being conducted by the V.F.W. Post #6240.  Cremation has preceded the service.  Friends may sign the book from 8 AM to 5 PM Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  Memorials have been established with the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell and the Russell Regional Hospital.  Contributions and condolences may be left with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary * 610 N. Maple * Russell, Kansas  67665 of Russell, who are in charge of these arrangements.  Condolences may be emailed by going to www.pvpmortuary.com