Rev. Bill L. Dawson

Reverend Bill Lee Dawson, of Terre Haute, was called home on September 15, 2026, at the age of 90, with his family by his side. He was born in Terre Haute on November 16, 1935, the son of Walter Edgar and Mary Ellen (Ferree) Dawson.

Bill lived a life of faith, devotion, and service to others. When he was 19 years old, he won the State of Indiana knowledge of the Bible competition. Bill was an active member of his church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and trustee for many years. He also authored a Christian novel and helped plant a church in Terre Haute. He began preaching in 1978 and became an ordained minister in 1983. In January 1984, Bill became a full-time pastor, continuing a ministry that would touch many lives across the years. He served in Owen, Parke, and Greene counties. For the last 33 years, he was the pastor of Marshall Baptist Church in Marshall, Indiana. His long and faithful work in ministry led to being recognized as the oldest active American Baptist pastor in the state of Indiana. Bill was inspired by the gospel as a young man and faithfully shared it for the rest of his days.

Alongside his calling, Bill enjoyed reading Christian literature and history, and loved traveling the country with his wife, Joanell, sharing bus trips, car trips, and a memorable 50th anniversary trip to Hawaii. He was an avid competitor, coaching and playing softball for many church teams. He was a dedicated basketball fan of Garfield High School, Terre Haute North Vigo, and Indiana State University. He was most proud cheering on his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in band, choir, dance, cheer, basketball, baseball, golf and other activities. Time spent with his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brought him happiness. He loved to play games and work puzzles with them.

On June 14, 1959, he married Peggy Joanell Beckman, beginning a marriage that was marked by love, companionship and shared adventures. Together, they spent their lives in ministry and raised their two daughters.

Bill will be remembered for his quiet and humorous nature, his quick wit, and his ability to tell a classic “dad joke” that brought smiles to everyone around him. He carried himself with warmth and humbleness, and his presence was a blessing to his family, friends and community.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joanell; his daughters, Janeen Trueblood and Jolee Dawson; his grandchildren, Kristin (Brian) Fritz, Carissa (Joe) Peperak, Dylan (Janee’) Trueblood, Sydney Huber and Dawson Huber; and his great grandchildren, Hannah Mottesheard, Aubrie Trueblood, Carter Fritz, Bryce Peperak, Miles Trueblood, Jayce Peperak, Colsen Trueblood and Sawyer Trueblood. He is preceded in passing by his parents.

Friends and family may gather for visitation at Callahan and Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th Street Terre Haute, Indiana 47803, on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm. The funeral service will begin at 1:30pm. He will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park.