Joseph Michael Dawson, 35, of 117 West Parrish Street, Covington, Virginia, died Thursday, April 14, 2011, at his home.

He was born January 23, 1976, in Richmond, a son of John M. Dawson of Covington and Barbara Bogar Dawson of Eagle Rock.

Mike was employed for the past eight years by MeadeWestvaco as an operator on #8 paper machine rewinder.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Covington and was a Boy Scout Troop Leader with Troop #233.

In addition to his parents, Mike is survived by his wife, Melanie Arritt Dawson of Covington; two sons, Sebastian Dawson and Mason Dawson, both of Covington; one daughter, Tyler Dawson of Covington; one brother, Anthony "Scott" Dawson and his wife, Marie, of Richmond ; one sister, Katherine Carpenter and her husband, Phillip, of Covington; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held Monday, April 18, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel with the President Dewey Maxwell Southall officiating.

The interment followed in Lone Star Cemetery.