Ivins, Utah – John Ward Dawson, Jr, 86, passed away April 10, 2022, in St. George, Utah. He was born July 21, 1935, in Hutchinson, Kansas to John (Jack) Ward and Virginia Isabelle Schall Dawson. He married his high school sweetheart, Jan Caldwell on September 16, 1956, at the United Methodist Church in Downey, California. They raised three daughters in Downey and Villa Park, CA before moving to Utah in 1993.

Ward decided in the sixth grade that he was going to be an architect. He got his first job in 1954 as an office boy for the architectural firm Caldwell, Mason & Muntz. His career path continued as he rose through the ranks of draftsmen and project managers. By 1969, he was a licensed architect in California. Over the next thirty years he would be licensed in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada as well. In 1993, he opened Southwest Design Group in Ivins, UT. He worked with Terry & Matt Martens Design Services and for the next 25 years provided architectural and design services to the Kayenta community and throughout the southwest. Although he attempted to retire at 85, he soon found himself back where he enjoyed himself the most, at his drafting table.

Ward was an avid sports fan. He loved his LA Dodgers, NASCAR, and USC Trojan football. He was also an amateur photographer and his favorite subject these last few years were his beloved King Charles Cavaliers, Molly & Maddie.

Ward was preceded in death by his wife, Jan; and son-in-law, Rob Eriksen. He is survived by daughters: Debbie (Merrill) Gilling of Scottsdale, AZ; Wendy Dawson of Osterville, MA; and Julie Eriksen of San Marcos, TX.; granddaughters: Cheryl Gilling of Dallas, TX; Kristi (Larry) Belew of Glendale, AZ; Stephanie (Charles) Rose of Bastrop, TX; and Katie Eriksen of College Station, TX; great-grandsons: Oliver & Gavin Rose of Bastrop, TX; and great-granddaughters: Riley & Reagan Belew of Glendale, AZ.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, April 16, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ward's name to the Ivins Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, located at 474 N. 200 West, Ivins, Utah, 84738.

J. Ward Dawson Memorial Services Program

J. Ward Dawson Program