Bernard K. Dawdy

Bernard Keith Dawdy, of O'Fallon, Missouri, died on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the age of 80. Loving husband of late Natasha Dawdy, dear son of late Harley Dawdy and late Mary Leona Dawdy; devoted father to Robert Lee (Maggie) Dawdy Sr, and Tiffany Marie (Justin) Wilkins; grandfather of Robert Lee (Marissa) Dawdy Jr., Madeleine Dawdy (Kyle) Sargent, Michael Keller Dawdy, Natasha Hawthorne Wilkins and Thomas James Wilkins; great-grandfather of Clark Rhodes Sargent; dear brother of Anita Guinn and the late Marjorie O'Donoghue; beloved brother-in-law of Rosik (David) Milton and Rafik (Sylva) Khachatoorians, and the late Sedigh Khachatoorians; uncle to many nieces and nephews; and loved by many other relatives and friends. 

Bernard attended Elementary Grade School at Patterson, Illinois, graduated from Roodhouse High School in 1962, joined the U S Army in Oct 63 and was trained in aircraft maintenance, assigned to US Army Gulf District in Tehran, Iran where he met his wife of 46 years, Natasha. Upon discharge from there he worked at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft before attending Parks College, for aircraft maintenance. After graduating he worked in general aviation before going to work for the US Army Reserves and Army Aviation and Troop Command, where he retired. After retirement he worked for XEROX and Home Depot.

Bernard affectionally known as “Pokey” to his closest friends and family was a talented woodworker. His grandchildren brought much joy to his life. He loved playing UNO with Natasha and Thomas, talking football with Maddy, and fishing with Rob Jr. and Michael. His grandchildren will treasure the memories they made with him on the many Disney cruises he took them on. Bernard took special care to try to never miss a milestone. He would make the effort to show up for as many first days, Veterans’ Days, birthdays, or special events as he could, sometimes driving for hours just to be there. He was loved and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernard's name to American Lung Association or American Heart Association.