Obituary of John C. Dawes

John C. “Merle” Dawes 1959 – 2020 Clinton –Our family is saddened to announce that our brother has left this temporary home called earth last Saturday evening, June 27, 2020. We were fortunate to be able to hold his hand, make it known for him, that we were there and that he was not spending his last days alone. He’s passed on to rejoice into eternal peace with our parents and eldest sibling Michael, whom no doubt, embraced him safely and soundly. Imagine that embrace!! We’ll see you again, our brother. John was born February 14, 1959, in Utica, NY, the son of John W. and Elizabeth (Flynn) Dawes. He was raised and educated locally, graduating from Clinton High School. John was a self-employed mechanic and had also worked at several other places, including American Asphalt, Pat Conway Excavating, as well as for years with his father at Jack’s Clinton Shell. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, working in his vegetable garden, and hanging out with his dogs, Tyler, Lola and Cindy Lou. John was of the Catholic faith. John is survived by six siblings, Patricia (& Paul) Occhionero, Clinton, Christine (& Richard) Massaro, New Hartford, Kelly (& Cindy) Dawes, Ohio, Kathleen Dullin, (& Richard Landcastle) Westmoreland, Colleen Gozy (& Mike Sweeney), Westmoreland, Laurie (& Robert) Kittleman, Clinton. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and several great-nieces. Besides his parents, John is predeceased by a brother, Michael T. Dawes. Funeral services, entrusted to R.P. Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., 10 East Park Row, Clinton, are being held privately at the convenience of the family. Those wishing may donate to your local humane society in John’s memory. Online memorial and guestbook at www.rpheintzfsi.com. Safely Home I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed. I am now at peace forever. Safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade? Oh! But Jesus’ love illuminated every dark and fearful glade. And he came himself to meet me. In that way so hard to tread. And with Jesus’ arm to lean on could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely. For I love you dearly still. Try to look beyond earths shadows. Pray to trust Our Fathers Will. There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand. Do it now while life remaineth- You shall rest in Jesus’ land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home. Oh! The rapture of that meeting. Oh! The joy to see you come!