Funeral services for Dawson Emmitt Courtney, 88, of Livingston, Texas, will be held Saturday, February 22, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. in the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas with Bro. Walter Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Feagin Cemetery in Polk County, Texas. Visitation will be held Friday, February 21, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas.

Dawson was born October 25, 1925 in Trinity, Texas and died February 18, 2014 in Livingston. Dawson was four years old when his father, Jasper, died. His father worked for Rock Creek Lumber Company as an engineer and died from infection after an emergency appendectomy. Jasper left his boys with instructions on work and how to provide for their two sisters and mother, Helen. The Company moved the family to New Willard, Texas to help support them with jobs closer to relatives. Dawson filled the job positions held by his two older brothers as they became available. He began working at the age of twelve cleaning offices. His entrepreneurial spirit helped him obtain jobs cleaning the barber shop and doctor's office. Dawson's spiritual journey began in this small sawmill community. He attended a community church, Sunday school and youth camp where he came to faith in Christ and was baptized in a local creek. Dawson later helped his mother, Helen, run a boarding house in Livingston. Working and serving people became synonymous with Dawson's character and heart.

After graduating from Livingston High School in 1942 he enlisted into the U.S. Navy. Dawson completed his service with the Navy aboard the USS Caloosahatchee before receiving an Honorable Discharge as Seaman First Class in February, 1946. Dawson returned home to Polk County to fall in love and marry Ruth Clamon of Hortense, Texas.

The couple moved to Houston and Dawson began his career in drafting for Peden Iron & Steel. He later worked for Dow Chemical, Olson Engineering and Bechtel Corporation. After 25 years as a structural engineer for Bechtel, Dawson retired in December, 1990. He and Ruth moved back to Livingston in 1995. Dawson was a member of Central Baptist Church and Livingston Lion's Club.

Dawson spent a lifetime using his God-given gifts to help others. His easy nature, quick smile and strong handshake put everyone he met at ease. He was a loving and patient husband and father who graciously served his family and others. We are left a great legacy…finish well.

Dawson is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth Clamon Courtney; sister, Ruby Mae Eckols; sons, Ryan Courtney and wife Paula, Keith Courtney and wife Kim, Randy Courtney and wife Tammy; daughter, Blenda Courtney Smith and husband Walter Smith; grandchildren, Denver Courtney, Carey Courtney Rodriguez, Byron Smith, Courtney Smith Miller, Kendall Courtney, Shannon Courtney, Carson Courtney and Dalton Courtney; great-grandchildren, Devin Courtney, Ashley Courtney, Cadyn Courtney and Emma Rodriguez; and numerous nieces and nephews.