Danny Dawes, age 68, passed peacefully at home with his family and friends on June 30, 2018. Danny leaves adventurous memories and is survived by his brother Steve (Kay); his ex-wife, Charlotte (married 46 years); son Jonathan (Nicole); daughter Lisa (Douglas) and grandchildren Nathan, Charles and Claire. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Girtha Dawes.
Danny grew up on the west side of Indianapolis and was a graduate of Northwest High School. He was a rebel from a young age being competitive with his older brother, even naming him “Dirt”. He attended Ball State University where he met Charlotte, convincing her to elope to Tennessee before the courthouse closed. He followed his father’s footsteps as an Ironworker of Local 22. After the tragic loss of his father, he earned the respect of Gilbert Baker who owned G & B Erectors and became a business partner. Years of hard work along with guidance from Baker, Danny and his wife Charlotte, developed Recast Construction Company with success from 1988-2010. Skylines across Indiana beautified to innumerable heights, but some of his favorites were the challenges of erecting Circle Center Mall, Indianapolis VA Hospital, additions to Methodist Hospital, Rawls Hall at Purdue University, Indiana University Bloomington Library and countless schools across the state of Indiana.
Following in his father’s career path, his son Jonathan, learned the trade and business skills to form his own business, All Out Ironworks, which focuses on structural steel erection and repair work.
Danny’s beloved grandchildren will always remember Grandpa when they visit the two Brachiosaurus that he and his son Jonathan installed at the Children’s Museum lobby, as well as, the Dinosphere and the Indianapolis Zoo Dolphin Pavilion which he built.
A tireless inner desire for life and adventure was evident through stories of drag racing fast cars, riding wheelies down 16th street, scaling beams higher than any and connecting massive steel beams before ironworkers were required to be tied off. Danny was even tough in his hobbies and during his cowboy days, he was only interested in the most treacherous event in the rodeo; steer wrestling. His compassionate side would be putting 5-year-old daughter Lisa on the back of Penny the pony, then teaching her and the pony not to run back to the barn with a spanking. Danny was the hardest working guy anyone ever met and that trait passed to his children Lisa and Jonathan. He was a jack of all trades and able to fix anything. At one point in time, he and Charlotte owned a city block of rental homes, which they cared for themselves. When Danny wasn’t at work, he was enjoying his farm animals, lakehouse, boating, water skiing, scuba diving, saltwater fishing, yearly trips to Florida with his family, hunting deer, elk and turkey, teaching his grandkids to “noodle” fish and hunt. Danny had all types of off-roading vehicles to ride through the years and is probably what led to his son Jonathan racing Ultra4 cars through the California desert with sections of the course changing to “rock climbing”.
Danny was challenged with struggles later in life, but turned to the Lord for guidance and by opening his heart to his vulnerabilities. He sought brotherhood in a variety of organizations helping others which alleviated his faults within. Danny touched many lives over his lifetime and now rests in eternal peace with his Lord as He comforts his tired soul.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 5, 2018 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Indiana Funeral Care-Greenwood. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 Friday, July 6, 2018 at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his grandchildren’s school: Christ the King Catholic Church and School at 5884 N. Crittenden Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46220 or www.ctk-indy.org (317) 255-3666.
Ann Mitchell says
I can,t tell you How sorry I am about your father,s illness and his death.! I loved him like a son as he was a special part of our family. My love and prayers to all of you in your sorrow! Because Of health reasons won,t be able to attend his service, but my sincere thoughts and prayers will be with you, and for your Dad. Rest in peace Danny!
Love, Grandma
Shelley Williams says
So sorry for your loss. Will keep your family in my prayers.
Robin Lambert says
So sorry for your loss, Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers,
Love you all,
Sincerely,
Robin Mitchell Lambert
Ron Hazelwood says
Our heartfelt sympathy to your family in your loss. We cherish our memories shared with Danny and his family. 💕 Our thoughts are with you at this time. Brother iron worker “22”. Ron Hazelwood & Barb. 💐❤️
Phyllis Kinghorn says
I offer sincere condolences to Danny’s family. Since Danny’s father and my father were brothers, we spent a lot of time growing up together. I remember Sunday afternoon visits when we all ate popcorn and played the card game “Rook”. I guess we grew apart over the years, but I have many fond memories and may you Rest In Peace Danny.
Your cousin,
Phyllis (Dawes) Kinghorn
Don & Jo Ann Short says
Danny will be missed by manyDanny was a friend, business associate, and neighbor.
Gloria Craig-Hayse says
I sat in front of Danny in most of my classes at NW HS – my maiden name being Craig – his Dawes. I always thought he was such a nice kid, but I do know he got in “trouble” with the teachers sometimes! He never failed to ask me for a piece of gum – every day – and often would ask to copy my homework. After high school, I never saw him again, but seeing his obituary brings back fun memories. Sorry to hear of his passing .
Charlie Hunton says
My memories of Danny are mostly those from the Dawes reunions in the Louisville area. Fond memories of Uncle Mitchell and Aunt Girtha, Danny and Steve, then Charlotte and the children. Alice Rose and I organized a “Cousinathon” a few years back and Danny happened to be working in southern Indiana and attended. We had about 20 who made it. Sat next to Danny. What a low key easy going style he had. So sorry to learn of his passing. We live in Florida now so we can’t attend. A special blessing to you Charlotte.
Jo Dawes Baker says
Steve And Danny’s children and the ones that cared for Danny during his sickness you have my condolences.. Danny and I became FB friends after his illness . It meant so much to me to reconnect after all these years. When I was a little girl. my Dad would take me for visits to Uncle Mitchell, Aunt Girtha, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Mary and the 4 kids. Had great times at these visits. I’m so sorry to hear this sad news.
Rest In Peace Danny. Prayers for his family and friend Deborah.
Your cousin,
Jo Ann Dawes Baker
Jo Dawes Baker
Dennis Dawes says
Feel fortunate to have such great cousins to grow up with. The youth years I spent with Danny always brings a smile to my face . Sleeping in a handbuilt treehouse , doing donuts in big brother Steve’s Corvair in Northwest parking lot , exploring sewers and riding on the back of Danny’s motorcycle wearing a makeshift helmet consisting of Mitchell’s ironworkers hard hat with a string chinstrap . Rest in peace Cuz. Dennis Dawes
Daniel e. Stonehouse says
Lisa and Jonathan. My heart goes out to you both at this time of your lives. Someday your father will be reunited with the family thru our loving lord Christ Jesus. Peace be with you.
Cathleen Hunton Brown says
Danny …Such fond memories of our childhood visits and awesome reunions. How we would enjoy everyone being together and taking pictures, playing softball, swimming, and having a wonderful meal together as one big Dawes family. I’m glad our children have some of those memories. Lisa and Jonathan you were raised by the best! He was so proud of you! Danny you lived a full life and will be missed. Praying for Peace and Comfort for your family during this time but know you are at rest with our Lord.
Darlene Hunton Rose says
Ah, Danny. It’s difficult to say goodbye to such a great guy and fun cousin. My heart is at peace knowing you are no longer in pain and suffering. You are now with our LORD and loved ones. I am remembering our Dawes family reunions, especially George Rodgers Clark park when as youngsters you boys would chase us girls with those horrible locust shells! We’d scream, you all would laugh…. I can still hear the horseshoes ringing when they hit the poles. Until we meet again cousin, I will hold all the great memories of you in my heart. GOD bless the family and turn the sadness into gladness knowing Danny has graduated from the cares of this world. Love, peace, and Blessings to all that read this message.
.
Cathrine Lie says
So sorry for your loss Lisa and Jonathan. You all welcomed me into your home, as Lisa’s Norwegian friend from college. Souls and families alike, you soon became my american family. I only have found memories of Danny. A dad who took his little girl pony riding, dirt biking with Jonathan. A man with many hobby and interests. His passion for moose and deer hunting, keeping his cool and helping me patiently, when I hooked a shark fish while he took us deep sea fishing in Florida. Danny frying the turkey outside for Halloween, as it kept the moist in the meet, but made it crispy on the outside and it was indeed tasty. Chewing sunflower seeds in his chair, his love for the ocean taking us fishing, a diligent hardworking man, which has left landmarks in the skyline. Last but not least, his unselfishness, as he spent hours and hours, fixing my crashed car from scrap steel (it was just laying around anyway) over the summer break, without charging me a penny. That is called giving. All the good memories remain…. Rest in peace.
Mary Kronoshek says
My memories of Danny are from when I was a little girl growing up on the west side. The Dawes’ backyard adjoined my family’s, separated only by a chain-link fence which the kids hopped over often, and every single time the Dawes’ loveable dog Puggy would race across their yard and practically slam into that fence just to bark hello. It was a fun neighborhood, the wonderful Dawes family made it even more so. Danny and my brother became good friends, one summer working at a farm together; over lunch hours they would light out across a field to build a treehouse so big that my dad said they should pay taxes on it. Adventures of the west side kids. Danny served as best man at my brother’s wedding, one of the best times ever. Rest in peace, Danny.
James Logston says
It is December 15 and I just heard of Danny’s death , I regret I did not make the funeral . Susie and I pray that God comforts those that were loved by him . I had many good years working with Danny and Ron Hazelwood. Charlotte if you would feel like talking I would love to here from you – same goes for you Ron Hazelwood