Brian C. "Chili Dawg" Dawson

Brian C. “Chili Dawg” Dawson, 42, of Mascoutah, IL, born Sept. 20, 1974 in Belleville, IL, died Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 at his residence.

#4.  The man, the myth, the legend.  Chili Dawg took his final lap on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 due to what he would probably diagnose as a bad gasket.  Leaving behind many, many loving friends and family in his wake, his impact on everyone he met was matched only by his considerable personality.

Chili Dawg was feared by some, loved by all and annoyed by few.  Always willing to help someone else and never asking for anything in return, Chili did not consider time a premium commodity.  He was happiest when he was working on a car, truck, lawnmower, weed eater or even the occasional liquor-dispensing bicycle trailer.  And, in addition to impressing everyone with his mechanical skills, he always had helpful pieces of advice for friends, family and his favorite bartenders-such as how to get Wi-Fi from three houses away or how to watch TV upside down.

When he wasn’t working on something, he enjoyed racing at the local dirt tracks reminding everyone that even though Space Mountain was the oldest ride in the park, it still had the longest line…just be sure to abide by the height requirements, so modestly emboldened on his t-shirt.  Many adoring race fans will miss seeing Chili behind the steering wheel of the #4.  And even more will miss the playful chop across the chest, accompanied by a friendly taunt-“to be the man, you’ve gotta beat the man!”

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Louisa and Theodore Dawson, and maternal grandfather, Frank Bonafede.

He is survived by his parents, John and Nancy, nee Finley, Dawson of Mascoutah, IL; a brother, Kevin (Christina) Dawson of Mascoutah, IL; a niece, Ceretta and his favorite relaxing buddy; his nephew, Dutch Dawson; maternal grandmother, Beverly Bonafede of Lebanon, IL; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as countless friends.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” -2 Timothy 4:7.  He had a good run, pushed a little in the corner and as he neared the checkered flag, heartaches are going to the inside, our tears are holding back, trying not to fall.

TCB, Chili Dawg.  “It’ll be fine”  Woooooooooo!!!

In lieu of all other gifts memorials may be made to Mascoutah Police Benevolent Association; #3 West Main St., Mascoutah, IL 62258.  Condolences can be sent to the family online at mollfuneralhome.com .

Visitation: visitation will be from 1 to 5 PM Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 at the Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL.

Funeral: a memorial service will be held 2 PM Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Mascoutah Moose Hall in Mascoutah, IL with Pastor Jack Spratte officiating.