Sharon Ann Dawson, United States Army Veteran

Sharon Dawson was born January 22, 1954 in Temple, Texas and passed away August 8, 2011, at the age of 57, at a Temple hospital.

Sharon attended the public schools of Temple and proudly served her country in the United States Army as a food service specialist and as an automatic data telecommunications operator. Her many military decorations include the Army Achievement Medal.

Funeral services were held on August 12 at the Branford Dawson Funeral Home in Temple. Interment services followed at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.

In attendance at the Cemetery were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a Honor Line along the front of the committal shelter. Fifty American flags, the United States Army flag and the Texas State flag all blew briskly in the hot Texas wind.

The family minister led the gathering in final prayers.

Two Patriot Guard Ride Captains folded the American flag that draped Sharon's coffin into the traditional triangle and presented it to Billy Joe, Sharon's dear husband of 29 years, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation as thanks for her faithful service to her country.

Sharon Dawson was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in her honor.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, a daughter, a step-daughter, a son, her sister and numerous other dear family and friends.

Only God Knows Why

God said you're getting weary
so he did what he thought best
He came and stood beside you
and whispered "come and rest"
You bade no one a last farewell
Not even a goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why.

With thanks to Temple Daily Times News and Kirk Family Funeral Homes for biographical information and additional photo.