Laurence "Joe" Dawes

Laurence D. “Joe” Dawes age 79, of Battle Creek, passed away March 14, 2017.  Larry was born on June 9, 1937 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Laurence D. and Alice J. (Scott) Dawes.  He attended St. Philip Catholic High School, where he played football, basketball, golf and was a member of the class “C” state championship football team in 1955.  He also attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI.  Larry was hired in 1958 by the Kellogg Company, where he was a Division Union Steward and a member of the Executive Board for Local #3 A.F.G.M. for six years, before transferring to a salaried position in 1967.  He held several positions in the Battle Creek plant and corporate headquarters before his retirement in 1992, after thirty-four years of service.  Larry retired as Manager of Employee Relations and Hourly Employment.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery and sporting clays.  Larry also enjoyed having lunches at the Plezall Café in Bellevue, MI., with several of his retired friends.  Single Malt Scotch and Fuentes cigars were one of his favorites.  He was a member of the Kellogg 25 year club, The Sportsman’s club of Battle Creek, and the N.R. A.  He previously was a member at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Marywood Country Club, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Willow Lake Sportsman Club.  He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, and a younger infant sister.   Larry is survived by his daughter; Christine (Tom) DiDonato of Birmingham, MI., sons; Joseph Dawes of Kalamazoo, Mi., Timothy (Kim) Dawes of Mason, OH., Terry (Christine) Dawes of Macomb, MI., former wife; Cecile Ann (Hart) Harpster of Portage, MI., grandchildren; Clare, Emily, Cassie, Grace, Thomas, Philip Laurence, William, James, great grandsons; Cale , Dez, brother, Scott  Dawes of Battle Creek, niece; Julie, nephews; Collin, Matthew, and longtime partner; Betty Armanini of Battle Creek.  In accordance to his wishes, cremation has taken place.  A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 pm, on Monday, April 10, 2017 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with Rev. John Adams officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Southwest Michigan, or St. Philip Catholic School.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org