ILION – Mr. Dawes L. Dunham, age 81, a longtime Ilion resident, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, and his beloved wife, Doris, on Thursday, July 21, 2016, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Medical Center. Born on December 12, 1934, Dawes was the son of the late Dawes J. and Winifred (Scouten) Dunham. He was raised and educated in Ilion and was a graduate of Ilion High School. On January 1, 1955, Dawes married the love of his life, the former Doris Hocking, and the two shared an inseparable union, spanning six decades, filled with love, laughter, devotion and companionship. As a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Dawes honorably served his country during the Korean Era. During his time of duty, he attained the rank of Corporal and was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. As provider for his family, Dawes was a hardworking man who spent over 26 years as a shotgun production planner at Remington Arms, until his retirement in 1992. Family was of the utmost priority throughout Dawes' life. Together with his wife, Doris, he dedicated himself to raising his children based on traditional values. As a man of God, he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior, and truly lived to serve Christ, his family, and those that he leaves on this earth. In his spare time, Dawes enjoyed being outdoors, whether it be fishing and camping with his family, golfing, or going for a nice run. While wintering in Florida, he would plan summer-long trips with his wife, and as a couple, they visited 49 out of the 50 states of the United States. Dawes was a life member of the Ilion American Legion, as well as the Herkimer County Marine Corps League. He was a longtime parishioner of the First Baptist Church of Little Falls. Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Joan and Scott "Skip" Stalloch, of Ilion, Jane and John Forbes, of Ilion, Linda and Leo Crim, of Ilion, and Darlene Bawolak, of Little Falls; his son and daughter-in-law, Pastor Dawes J. and Brenda Dunham, of Danville, PA; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He also leaves his sisters and brother-in-law, Doris Gay, of Richfield Springs, and June and Russell Hocking, of Ilion; his brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Connie Dunham, of Ilion; his in-laws, James and Sandra Hocking, of Whitesboro; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Dick Dunham. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home's original location, at 102 West St., Ilion, NY, (315) 895-7722. Members of the Ilion American Legion are asked to gather at 5:30 PM and members of the Herkimer County Marine Corps League are asked to gather at 6:00 PM to conduct their ritualistic services. Dawes' funeral service and Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday morning, July 27, 2016, at 10:30 AM at the funeral home, 102 West St., Ilion, with Reverend Chris J. Wintermute, of the First Baptist Church of Little Falls, officiating. Interment will follow in Mohawk Cemetery, where Dawes will be laid to rest beside his wife, Doris. The Dunham family would like to extend their appreciation to MOVAC and the staff of the ER at Faxton-St. Luke’s, for their efforts and compassion on that difficult day. Those wishing to do so are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502-5949. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Service arrangements and supervision were prearranged and entrusted to Dawes' family Funeral Director, Don Applegate, and Funeral Director, Martin L. Ciaccia. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Dawes, or add to his online memorial, may visit www.applegateandday.com.