Francis A. Dawson (Frank), 96, of Cincinnati, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at The Springs of Lafayette. 

He was born May 7, 1927 in Brook, IN to the late Cecil and Marie (O’Reilley) Dawson. Frank was a 1945 graduate of A.J. Kent High School. His primary educational years included activities in 4-H and athletics where he earned a letter in track.  After graduation, he served 1 ½ years in the United States Army stationed in Virginia until his discharge July 1947 with the rank of Corporal.

After serving, he enrolled in Indiana University.  He earned a B.S. Business Degree in Accounting and an MBA.  His undergraduate degree was with honors and his MBA was top 1%.  After a short stint with a rating agency and becoming a CPA, Purdue University hired him as an Accountant.  During his 15 years with Purdue, he advanced to Chief Accountant, Assistant Comptroller and left as Comptroller.

The family headed east to Prince George’s County MD.  There he put in three years as Director of Finance.  At his departure, the Fire Department presented him with a toy fire truck painted black.  The Department had never had a budget in the black until his arrival, then they had three in a row.  

Late in the fall of the bicentennial, the family headed west to Cincinnati.  He was hired as the Director of Finance.  During his 21 years in this role, he raised Cincinnati’s credit rating to investment grade, fully funded the pension, and served 8 months as acting City Manager.  The city received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.  The first to be issued in Ohio.

Frank met Ruth Smith while both were attending Indiana University.  He married Ruth in June of 1953 and she preceded him in death. He later married Mary Lou Toth in October of 1993 and she preceded him in death. 

Frank actively engaged in every community in numerous social associations.  He was a lifetime member the United Methodist Churches of West Lafayette, IN, Westwood and Clyde, OH.  He served on various committees and participated in services.  Frank was a member of the Rotary Club of Cincinnati.  He served as Treasurer, Vice-President, and three years on the Board of Trustees.  

His professional associations included the Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ohio and the Ohio Municipal League where he served a term as President with each.  He served 14 years in the Government Finance Officers Association of United States and Canada.  In that time span he served three years on their Board of Directors and chaired several committees.

Frank enjoyed golf, bowling, gardening, and fishing.   Regardless of it being Wisconsin, Lake Erie or Chesapeake Bay, he found the fish to be equally evasive. 

He is survived by his three sons, David (Linda) Dawson of Cincinnati, OH, Edward Dawson of Lafayette, IN, and James (Shanna) Dawson of Nazareth, PA. Three sisters, Vivian Ferguson of Kentland, IN, Sarah Snell of Morocco, IN, and Frieda Beuerman of Kentland, IN.  One brother, James (Marjorie) Dawson of Lafayette, IN. Francis is also survived by 12 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. 

Preceding him in death along with his parents and wives Ruth and Mary Lou, is a son, Robert Dawson and great-granddaughter, London Bates. 

Friends may call from 10 AM (CST) until the time of Funeral Service 11 AM (CST) Friday, November 3, 2023 at Trinity United Methodist Church of Kentland, 2775 W 1500 S, P.O. Box 24
Kentland IN  47951. Interment to follow in Fairlawn Cemetery also of Kentland. 

Please feel free to send a memorial to the entity of your choice.  The one below has several endeavors to the local communities of Newton County and the surrounding counties.

 

Newton County Community Services, Inc.

213 E. North Street

P.O. Box 140

Morocco, IN.   47963

 

Please share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.