Wheeler “Tex” Dawson, 91,  passed away Jan. 16 at his home. Wheeler was born in Waco, Texas, on Sept. 29, 1925, to Wilbur and Elsie Pear Dawson.  He was the last child born of seven children. He had three brothers and three sisters.

Wheeler joined the Navy when he was 17 years old.  He was honorably discharged in December of 1944.  He traveled around and ended up in Burns, where he met Carita Mace.  They were married Sept. 1, 1950, in Reno, Nev. They were married for 64 years until her death in May 2015. He worked for Edward Hines Lumber Company and Snow Mountain Pine for many years.

He is survived by his son, Clifford and wife, Carol, of Burns; daughter, Clarita Barker of Redmond; foster daughter, Twyla Teeman of Burns; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Harney County Church of the Nazarene.  Contributions may be made to either the American Heart Association or the Harney County 4-H program. Mail donations to LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488; Burns, Oregon 97720. You can sign the online condolence book at www.lafolletteschapel.com