Franklin James Dawson Sr., 72

Franklin James Dawson Sr. of Harrington died peacefully Thursday, March 22, 2007, in his home, surrounded by his family. He was 72.

Mr. Dawson was born in Woodside, son of the late John A. and Rena (Wample) Dawson.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War.

Mr. Dawson worked at Frankford Quaker Grocery Co. in Philadelphia for 20 years, and then, as a diesel mechanic for Carl King Inc. for 10 years, retiring in 1999.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and working on the computer and was an avid gardener.

Mr. Dawson was a former vice commander of an American Legion post in Philadelphia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth (MacFarland) Dawson; five brothers; and three sisters.

He is survived by a son and a daughter-in-law, Franklin Jr. and Pamela Dawson of Felton; two daughters and a son-in-law, Susan Goren, and her fiancé, Edward Kelly, both of Philadelphia, and Nancy and Donald Campbell of Harrington; three brothers, Howard Dawson of Houston, George Dawson of Milford and Robert Dawson of Philadelphia; three sisters, Mary Zuczek of Philadelphia, Jodi Jefferson of Houston and Louise Hickman of Camden; and five grandchildren, Victoria Dawson, Billy Tranthum, Jimmy Goren, Howard Dawson and Megan Campbell.

Memorial services will be noon Tuesday in the Chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Main Street, Felton, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Burial will be private.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.