Edward James "Rusty" Dawson, age 78. of Kentwood, LA, died Monday, June 28, 2021, at his residence. Mr. Dawson was born March 9, 1943 in Osyka, MS to the late Merritt and Corine Bates Dawson. He attended O.W. Dillon High School and later advanced his education at Capital Area Vocational School in Baton Rouge, LA and received his license in Cosmetology. He also worked in the hospitality industry.

He was preceded in death by his son, Leon Dwight Dawson, his daughter, Eryka Monique Davis, his parents, three brothers: Theodore "Man Bates" Dawson, William Dawson, Sr., Melvin Paul Dawson, Sr., and one siste: Susie Lee Dawson Varnado. He leaves to cherish his memories: one son: Tony Dawson of Baton Rouge, LA; four grandsons: Dwight Dawson, Curtis Dawson, Darren Turner, and Brandon Turner, all of Baton Rouge, LA; one brother: Louis Jones of Ponchatoula, LA; three sisters: Linda (Donald) Ramsey of Ponchatoula, LA, Ora Dawson of Kentwood, LA and Elizabeth (Willie) White of Magnolia, MS; two aunts: Caretha Carter of Kentwood, LA and Lillian Womack of Baton Rouge, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.