Travis Dawson Obituary

Travis L. Dawson was born on September 23, 1955, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to Cecil and Jessie Boone Dawson. He was educated in the El Dorado Public School District and was a member of the EHS Class of 1973. He later enlisted in the United States Army serving from 1973 to 1976, stationed in both Germany and Vietnam. During his time in the military, he earned certifications as an Equipment Records and Parts Specialist, Infantry Foot Soldier, and Specialized Sniper. After his active duty, Travis continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1982.

On August 15, 1983, Travis married the love of his life, Lessia McElroy Jackson. They soon welcomed their first child, Trenita, on November 1, 1983. Their family quickly grew with the addition of their son, Travis Jr., on September 22, 1984, and their daughter, Britney, on September 13, 1988, completing their family of five.

Travis was an active and devoted member of the Plum Street Church of Christ. He also reached the 32nd degree in the Masonic Chapter of The Most High Worship Prince Hall Grand Lodge #151.

After 35 years of dedicated service, Travis retired in 2021 from his position as Supervisor Foreman at the El Dorado and Wesson Railway Company.

"Travis was such a gentle Giant, a mountain of a man!

He was and remains such a great part of the fabric of the

El Dorado and Wesson Railway Company's history. He was a very loyal and

valued co-worker until his retirement and remained a great personal friend

until his passing. He made those around him better!

He may no longer be with us, but the memories and stories

relayed of his life's journey on the E&W will carry on for generations.

The word "Respect" is the first word that comes into my mind when I hear his name.

That speaks to who he was to me!"

David Reynolds, El Dorado & Wesson Railway Company

Travis passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at South Arkansas Regional Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Rickey Dawson, two sisters Carolyn Dawson-McGee and Pecoula Dawson-Nwobedo, and one granddaughter, infant Torre Michelle Dawson.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Lessia Dawson; son, Travis K. Dawson (Jazmin) of Nashville, TN; daughters, Trenita Dawson (Jermaine Jones, fiancé) of Little Rock, AR, and Britney Johnson (Dorell) of Dermott, AR; brothers, Cecil Lewis Dawson of Rockford, IL, and Vincent Dawson of El Dorado, AR; sister, Eva Dawson-Lowe (Jerry) of Rockford, IL; mother-in-law, Mae Helen Jackson; sister-in-law, Melissa Jackson; and brother-in-law, Fredrick Jackson (Barbara), all of El Dorado, AR. He also leaves behind three bonus children: Jessica Dawson of Little Rock, AR, Natalie Dawson of Ruston, LA, and Vincent Dawson (Camica) of El Dorado, AR. Travis was a godfather to Caleb Moore and leaves behind four grandchildren: Tavarious Dawson, Cassidy Slater, Micah Sledge, and Emerald Johnson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends who will cherish his memory.

We wish to express profound gratitude to his brother/cousin, Lorenzo Dawson and nephew, Quinston Farley, for being co-caregivers to Travis during his illness. We also thank each of you for your presence today either in person, online or in spirit. Each of you have played a significant role in honoring his life and legacy, and we will continue to honor his life by loving each other the way he loved us.