Corey, Kellee, Hunter, & Haylee lit a candle on 24th July, 2008:

Curtis...Where does a person begin??? We can't even begin to tell you how much we miss you. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think about you, talk about you, look at your pictures, or just know that you are with us no matter where we go or what we do. We don't understand why you couldn't stay with us longer, but in our hearts we know that you are in a better place. We still call your cell phone just to hear your voice. Sometimes it just doesn't even seem real. When we hear the song "I Saw God Today" it makes us think about you. We kind of smile at each other and say Yep, Curtis is with us. Hunter talks about you all the time. He still gets his little bear out with your picture in it and says I miss Curtis. It breaks our hearts, but we have to be strong and say we do to buddy. We know in our hearts that you were there the day Haylee came into this world. We know that you've already held her and you probably made the last few perfect touches before she was born. As she gets older we will have lots of great things to tell her about her wonderful Uncle Curtis. Please watch over Hunter and Haylee for us. Don't let them fight too much when they get older! haha We love you Curtis!!!
Corey, Kellee, Hunter, & Haylee

Aunt Dana lit a candle on 21st July, 2008:

Just thought as much as I think and talk to you I would send a shout out to you in writing. So many things I see remind me of you and I was not one of the lucky ones who knew the man you had become. I hear so many great things and it just fits. The moon was full the other night and I swear it had on a crooked smile, it is obvious no one is going to forget you, we look for signs of you in most everything. Love you lots Curtis. God Bless. Dana

dad lit a candle on 14th July, 2008:

curtis, i just wanted to tell you that your mom came down over the 4th july to visit you. bring me some more pictures of you. i jessica and your mom was talking about how much patience you had on rebuilding motors and dealing with people.i told your mom that you had no patience for mowing the yard.you would rather just ride the mower around.your mom told me ya know curtis hardly ever mowed the yard.the next day jessica went to pamida in tarkio and seen a cement plaque, shape like a heart that had printed on it [when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.] sound familar curtis.jessica told your mom about it. your mom went and got one and brought it to you that night.we all miss you so much. curtis i got another lawn mower story when you were 5 years old that will be next time i write ya. love you forever CURTIS DAREK DAWSON, DAD

Lacey lit a candle on 10th July, 2008:

hey curtis.
It has been a little while since I have lit a candle for you..just can't find what to say. Three months has gone by now and it still doesn't seem any more real than it did in April..I wish we could control the wheel of life but unfortunatly we can't and we have to try to accept what God brings before us. I know there was a reason God placed you in his eternal home with him but wish you could have stayed here just a lil bit longer. Wish you could have graduated high school and gone to college and live life till you were old..nothing will ever be the same without you..I keep thinking about that nitght dinger, me and you went out on st. patrick's day..it was fun! There is a song that came out recently its called I stil miss you by keith anderson..know you would like it..every word in that song is so true for all of us. No matter what we do and no matter how hard we try..we still miss you and we always will. I had a dream the other night where you were right there..we were laughing and hanging out and then you vanished..sometimes I wonder if that was a dream or not..I hope you are having a good time and I will see you when it's time for me to earn my angle wings..Keep watchin over all of us and God Speed!

Miss u!
Lacey

Kelsey Meyer lit a candle on 30th June, 2008:

Curtis Darek Dawson

That name means so much. There isn't a day that goes by that i dont think of you. Corey is really taking this hard..he just misses you so much. But then again, who doesnt. You were such a great person. You could always make people happy. There are so many things i want to say to you right now. Me and Mercedez were talkin about when she used to have the BIGGEST crush on you. Everytime you were back home in BJ and you went and saw Mrs. Snead. It meant so much to her. Everyone is commin home in a few weeks. I really wish you could be comming with them. I get my Curtis shirt and bracelet. Im going to wear them all the time. I wish I could say i really wish you could see Hunter and Haylee.. but the truth is.. you see them every day. Whether we know it or not.. you are there. Every minute of every day. I have your picture in my locket. Hunter looks in it every day.. The cutest thing was when i was holding Haylee, Hunter came up beside me.. put his and Haylee's hands on my locket.. and whispered in her ear... you love Uncle Curtis don't you Haylee..i cried. It was soo cute. You should be getting your headstone soon. You have so many flowers. I go down and talk to you sometimes..i always cry, no matter how hard i try not to. And as you already know not even a month after you earned your angel wings Max Stegall and Jesse Davison earned their wings. But then again God only takes the Best. I just wish you didnt go so soon. Curtis there isnt a day that goes by that you arent on my mind. I keep thinking one of these days im gonna run out of tears...but its been almost three months and im not outta tears yet. Keep an eye on Hunter and Haylee and dont worry we will tell Haylee all about you and how excited you were to get a neice. Ill never forget you.. ever. I cant wait till i can see you again. I Miss and Love You Like Crazy!

-Love Always and Forever,
Kelsey Michele Meyer

Brittany Reinhardt lit a candle on 28th June, 2008:

Hey Curtis,
I just have to tell you last night I went to Chad's and we took your pickup out for a cruise! It looks and sounds so good! You should see the motor it is nice and shiny! We decided since you always wanted to take me golfing were going to TRY to golf for you so you can have a good laugh at me! Well I miss you like crazy! Love and miss you!

XOXO Brittany

shelly, friend lit a candle on 12th June, 2008:

curtis i really miss you and loved you and still think bout you all the time and i just did not want you to go and you were like my big brother and i really miss you and i wish you were here right now and you were so close to gratuating and i wish i was was there if you gratuated and we all loved you so much and we want you back and i will be right next to you in heaven som day

love you hole bunches,
love shelly

Tina (Dawson) Sanders lit a candle on 7th June, 2008:

Curtus as i read all these stories your email i got from you makes so much sense now, which it wasnt to hard to figure out, but you emailed me after you got home from Easter saying you wanted to come by and see us but the weather got bad, but you had fun anyway, well i see all these friends talking about seeing you during Easter and you must have had a wonderful time with all your friends and it must have really been just one of those fun weekends that even if you were still here that Easter weekend would still be talked about. It is great you were able to have just a wonderful time while you were in Burlington for the last time even tho you didnt know it was going to be. I sure wish i would have replied sooner to find out how it really went, but i now know it was one of your best. You are missed so much and i know you are in heaven doing gods work, but i know if there was a choice to have you here back with us or keep you in heaven to watch over us i would choose to have you back here with us so you can be watched over and taken care of like you are all of us now. i love you very much and think of you each and every day. I have your picture up at work so everyone i work on see's you and they all say how handsome of a man you are with beautiful brown eyes. i say yep and he was all that, too-- very lovable, smiley, passionate, and most of all truly caring. I know you watched over Kelley as she delivered your Niece May 23rd and from what i hear a beautiful baby at that. --Aunt tina

Fluffy lit a candle on 4th June, 2008:

Turtle,
These last few weeks have been really hard! I came up for graduation like i promised you i would, we always said we would be there by eachothers side as we walked across stage. It was really hard not to hear your name called out at graduation and to see your mom have to set through it. Last week was memorial weekend. I put flowers and a swisher sweet that you left down from easter, i knew you would love it! I go see you everytime i go through BJ and it gets harder everytime. It still dont seem real! I miss you so much! You had your whole life ahead of you! It wasnt fair for it to be you! I feel you with me everyday.
I MISS AND LOVE YOU!
Fluffy!

Geri lit a candle on 24th May, 2008:

Hey Curt! Its been awhile since I have been on here to write to you... I went to graduation and wished you were there! I know its been a week since then but I gave your mom and dad a gift for you to share with the family! I wanted them to know that I am always here for them! I miss you so much Curt... I miss chit chatting with ya just about anything!! I can't wait to see you on the other side bud! I love you and keep watching down other all of us!
Love Always: Geri Marie

Krissy lit a candle on 22nd May, 2008:

Curtis-
i just wanted to let you know how much that you ment to my (big)sis Fluffy.. she does nothing but talk about you all the time. when you came down on Easter to stay with us she was so excited. all she could talk about was the fun that you two were going to have. the day that you left was hard on her because she just wanted you to stay down here with us. you were a big part of her life. you are and will always be a big part of our lives. it was so hard to see you go. i just wanted to let you know that i will always be thinking of you and be there for fluffy when she needs a shoulder to cry on. Miss You...

Brittany lit a candle on 20th May, 2008:

Curtis-
I miss you so much! It was so hard not seeing you recieving your diploma on graduation. I know you were there watching over all of us on that day. It was so nice seeing your family in their "Curt Shirts" they miss you so much also as does everybody. But as we all know you are with us every minute of everyday. During pictures at graduation the class took a group picture and we included a picture of you in it because you will always be part of the class of 2008! I just wish you were here with your bright smile, big brown eyes, BIG hugs, and helpful advice. I cannot wait to see you again! I miss you so much!
XOXO
Love,
Brittany

Kris Ashley's Mom lit a candle on 12th May, 2008:

Hey Curtis

I wanted to come by and light this candle for you and let your mom know I am thinking of her. I know how hard today was for her, it was equally hard for me.

She loves you so much and I love Ash equally as much. Let her know that for me when you see her, she will be the beautiful angel in pink.

To your mom, hang in there. I hope you are doing okay.

Kris

dad lit a candle on 10th May, 2008:

miss you curtis, little over a year ago curtis bought a new set of golf clubs. curtis called me and told me about his new clubs. that when he gets down to missouri where going golfing. curtis and chad came down about a month later, and of coarse we went golfing. me curtis, chad and connor went. curtis was hitting the ball pretty good with his new clubs. we was on hole no.3 par 4, 412 yards. i hit the best drive in my life, i was about a 120 yards from the green, then curtis got up and nailed a good drive right down middle of the fairway. we got to our golf balls and curtis out drove me by 5 yards. i said something to curtis about out driving me, and all i got was that grin then that little chuckle quickly followed. curtis didnt have to rub it in or brag, all he had to do was smile and you know he got the best of you. then curtis said yep i sure like these new clubs. ya know i cant remember how the rest of the round went but i sure remember that moment. love you forever curtis, dad

scott lit a candle on 2nd May, 2008:

I will miss and alway remember the good time we had .I will never forget them an
d I will never forget you Curtis .You was alway a good friend and helped when you could .You have a heart of gold love you and miss you

Jordan - Cousin lit a candle on 1st May, 2008:

Hey curtis...you dont know how much i miss you!!!! i talk 2 you every night...and sometimes i can feel that your w/ me...!! i miss your smile, and the way you made me laugh!! i've been talking 2 chad and your mom a lot lately, and sometimes dustin and lenai...their coming back for eric's graduation, and are going to try and come to mine...!!! Me, morgan, and nick have been sharing the memories we shared w/ you (all which make me laugh)...you grew up 2 be an amazing person...and i'll never forget you...i know i'll see your smiling face again...but until then..the memories i have of us from our childhood will play through my head...!!! i love you!!! XOXO

Amy Howard lit a candle on 29th April, 2008:

Curtis,

It is amazing how many people's lives you touched in the short time you were here. More than most people are able to in a lifetime. We will never understand why things like this happen to good people. We can only find comfort knowing that you are looking down on us from a much better place. You are loved by so many. I will never forget your smile and the way you made people laugh. You grew up to be an amazing man and will be greatly missed. You will live on in everyone's memories until we see you again.

Aunt Tina lit a candle on 28th April, 2008:

Curtis, i have been looking at this screen for a half an hour now not knowing what to write, because there are no words to scribe the loss everyone is feeling. Life does go on, but it will never be the same. I will see your Dad and your siblings at dinners and i will see the piece that is missing from him and that is you. He is going thru the hardest time of his life and he needs you more now then ever. I am going to try to call your brother Corey today and see how he is doing, but i know he is having a rough go of it, but he is expecting a baby May 23rd. That will bring a smile to his face, but wishing you were there to see his precious creation. I did speak to his wife and she says he is just quiet right now. I have visited with Chad and he's waiting for you to pull up in his drive. He saw a ribbon while he was hunting and it made him think of you, but it put a smile on his face. So if that was a sign keep it up, because they are all needing comfort. As i have talked to your Mom, she is grieving so, but yet she could smell you and that put a smile on her face....so keep it up. One of my sisters had gotten a flower from the funeral and put it in the freezer and when they were getting ice it fell in the glass.......those things bring some comfort knowing your around for a while to make sure everyone is ok. That is the way you are. As i read your Dad's letter to you, I see all he has to do is look in the mirror and should get some comfort, because he will see those brown eyes and smile, just like yours. You two had so much in common and your actions and everything, but you were creative in your writing and you felt deeply, which you got from your father adn mother both. As for me i miss the heck out of you. The last time i saw you was in South Dakota in Chads back yard. We were headed to a wedding in Wall South Dakota and i wanted to see you guys on the way, so i call Chad and he says its just on the way, just turn right on Kimball and it will get you there. Yea, he didnt tell me it was 50 more miles, but driving that 50 more miles i told Bruce if i didnt go see them i would live to regret it so we kept on going, and boy am i soooooo glad i did. I got to see Curtis all grown up and working on his truck and I got to see that crooked smile everyone is talking about. I am also thankful my son got to meet him, because that would have been the only time he was old enough to remember. And yes my first thought when i saw him was how much he looked like his Dad, but bigger...lol. I do have another son that will never get to meet you, he was just 5 months old when you past, but he will hear of you and know he had a cousin that was one heck of a great guy that touched many.....Curtis you grew up to be a wonderful man and we will all see you again, but until then we will miss you sooo. Love you, Aunt Tina

Sandy (Dawson) Wilmes lit a candle on 28th April, 2008:

Hey Cutie,

That's how I will always remember you...my cute little nephew with the baby-colt soft hair that stood straight up and that gorgeous perpetual lop-sided grin. In what seemed like an instant you grew into a handsome young man, and yes, I did say handsome even through you look just like your dad! :) LOL

Curtis, I know, to the deepest depths of my heart, that you made it to heaven. God has another perfect angel. Please use your new-found clout with God above to send peace and comfort to everyone who is hurting so much because your physical being is no longer here. Help us to understand that even though you have been called to a greater role doesn't mean that you are no longer a part of our lives. Your spirit is alive and well and will continue to reside our hearts today and forever. Don't be surprised if we ask you for some special favors every now and then! :)

Sending you loving hugs and kisses,

Aunt Sandy

terry dawson " dad" lit a candle on 28th April, 2008:

curtis i miss you so much. i miss the talks we had about motors, hunting, fishing. the last time i talked to you was april 4 at school. you told me you was coming to missouri the week after prom. i remember i couldnt wait we had plans to go golfing and other stuff. i cant forget every body saying how much curtis looked like me. "but bigger" i couldnt get that out of my mind. i was at work the other night everything was running good and i was thinking of you. i wrote this looking in a mirror looking in me. when i looked at curtis i seen me. his grin his personality the ability to get along with people at any age. the way he self taught himself on projects. the love of solitude on those projects. listened to advice if needed, asked question to make sure it was right. i see me. when i looked at me i seen curtis. i see his grin i see his personality. i see his patience and his impatience. when i looked at curtis. i seen curtis for the man he had become. a son, a man that knew how to love and show it. and wanted the same thing in return. i have a void in my heart that will never be filled. i lost a son, friend, companion a incredible person. curtis was loved by everyone. his name will never be forgotten." CURTIS DAREK DAWSON" i will love you forever. dad

Jeff and Naomi lit a candle on 26th April, 2008:

You know me, I'am kind of winded. We miss your smile, your voice, your emails that shared so much of who you were. Your family had such a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend they were so lucky to have you. We had so much fun on trips to the Hills and Sioux Falls (just looking for that perfect vehicle--NOT white). You were a "classy" guy, who is missed so much!!! Take care, Love the Reinhardts
PS--Jerry the best X-mas gift I gave him was the PINK john deer shirt-I never seen him wear--wonder why???!!!

Kelsey Meyer lit a candle on 26th April, 2008:

Curtis..*

Well we may of not been super close, but ive known you since i was little. Everyone misses you so much. Its really hard to listen to Hunter say how you live with Jesus now and how he misses you. I'll be sure to give Haylee tons of hugs and kisses for you! I will never forget you. You are always in my heart. Your mom and Dustin and Lenai are comming home to bj in less than a month for Eric's graduation. I wish you could be comming with them. You will be with everyone in our hearts. I miss you and love you. But i have to go play tools with Hunter. He says hi by the way and he misses you. You are in everyone's thoughts and prayers. You are missed and loved by all! Rest In Peace!

p.s. Even though we arent full blooded cousins. You have been around just like Corey. and Dustin told me we were family!

Love Always,
Your Cousin

-Kelsey..*

Geri lit a candle on 25th April, 2008:

Hey Curt! I was just thinking about the awesome time we had at State Volleyball! LoL All those homeless people that bought those benches for 99 cents to make their homes! I hope you watching over all those people who were walking in Sioux FAlls and their benches they bought!! HAHA That was such a great time! We weren't even at the games half the time but we went there for awhile! I remember that black Fox Racing sweatshirt you got from Naomi for christmans and I asked you if you got that at Scheels because I saw it there and it was only 20 bucks!!! Haha I think you were a little suprised and told me Naomi was a bargin shopper and it was the best christmas present you ever got from her!! Haha oh Naomi! I will never forget the memories and want yout to know I am thinking of you everyday! Wish you were here to spend the rest of the year with us! We love and miss you Curt!!!

Love Always
Geri Marie

Kayla Aalbers lit a candle on 25th April, 2008:

Hey Curtis,
I remember so many times when you would be late for computers, and then ask me what we were supposed to be doing even though sometimes I didn't even have a clue!! I'll always remember that Friday morning before you died, when Denaeh, you, and me were eating those Tropical Starbursts, and you tricked me into eating the blue one even though it was nasty!! And you gave me one of the orange ones even though you liked them the best!! We miss you so much, and the Miller Class of 2008 will never ever be the same without you in it!!! We will always remember you, and you will always be in our hearts!! RIP Curtis Dawson
Love and miss you much,
Kayla Aalbers

Sarah Erfman lit a candle on 24th April, 2008:

Hey Curtis,
Where do I start...I remember in 8th grade when your locker was by my mine, everytime we would go to a different class you would always try to keep yours open so I couldn't get into mine! Riding the bus was also pretty crazy when you would shoot rubber bands at your siblings until you got us into trouble and we had to sit in the very front of the bus! haha Eating lunch during 4th period was never boring because you were always doing something whether it was mixing everything together or trying to get some innoscent person to eat it! :) And by the way, I had Jess take your name card off your locker, my bad...haha Curtis, you will be missed by all and you will be in our hearts always and forever!
Love ya,
Sarah

Brittany lit a candle on 24th April, 2008:

Curtis-
I went down to your house last night and sat with you wonderful family. We went through the box of stuff you gave me all the romantic poems, the talking Nepoleon Dynamite card, the Dale stickers, and the four foot Sherk balloon! You were quite the romantic guy...I really miss your smile your sparkling brown eyes and your sence of humor! I will also never forget Friday April 5th when we were sitting in English and you were talking about my driving and telling me not to start the pick-up until the "glow plugs" went off and I just nodded my head, you took time to explain it three times! You never were too busy for anyone who needed to talk or people like me who knew nothing about cars or how to drive! Not a day goes by when I don't think of you. I Love you so much and can't wait to enter the gates and see you waiting there with your sparkling brown eyes and big smile!

Love much
Brittany

Jordan Gadbois lit a candle on 24th April, 2008:

Hey Curtis!!! I miss you so much!! your mom just sent me a picture of you kissing me when we were 3 years old..time flies by...i found other pics of us just hanging around the house as well...man,it seems like just yesterday you, me, and morgan were playing in Sandy's basement and we officially started calling ourselves the Trip Brats!! You and morgan were my best friends..and both of you will always be very close to me. You impacted my life, and so many others Curtis!! I love you, and always will!!Your crooked smile still keeps me smiling each and everyday...I know you'll be watching over all of us..you'll be our guardian angel...!! I'll see you again buddy:)R.I.P Curtis Darek Dawson....I love you!!!

braiden sells 7yrs. old lit a candle on 23rd April, 2008:

i'll miss u so much curtis.it is so sad what happened to u. i wish u had stayed longer.stay in your moms heart curtis. love u r.i.p.

Alan lit a candle on 22nd April, 2008:

Hey Curtis we all miss you i dont think there will be a moment through or lives that we wont think of you. This couldnt have happen at a worst time we almost ready to graduate we will all be thinking of you as we walk across the stage wish you were there curt.

Laura Kittelson-Caviness lit a candle on 22nd April, 2008:

Hey Curtis,
i dont know if u know but every nite for about 10 minutes i am there talkin to ya tellin ya what happened that day. i know its stupid but ill keep doin it for ya. I'm going to miss u so much. i will always remember sitting on ur couch watchin dodgeball with ya...and havin a pillow fight over the last piece of pizza...i will never forget that as long as i live...i will miss u so much. when ever i needed a friend u were always there and im going to miss that the most...i love ya so much..u were one of the greatest friends ever.
LOVE with all of my heart
Ill save u the last dance always!!!
miss u much
love laura
XOXOXOXOX

Marissa Trosen lit a candle on 22nd April, 2008:

Hey Curtis,
So each and every time that I am in the commons, all I can think about is that one 4th period when you were eating lunch and smothered that beet in ranch and chicken sauce!!! I'll never forget how hard we were laughing! You were a great friend to so many people and you will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and all of your friends. Save a spot for us all up there! Miss ya!
Love,
Marissa

Carlos Damaso lit a candle on 22nd April, 2008:

We will always remember you Cutis!

John Waring lit a candle on 22nd April, 2008:

Hey Curtis... I'm gonna miss you. Ag has been really boring without you. Haven't learned mush without you!

Taker Easy buddy

Britney lit a candle on 20th April, 2008:

Today all i could think of was last years prom and how much fun i had with you along with all the other memories of last summer.I learned so much from you and dont think i could have thanked you enough. I dont know anyone else that listened like you did or could make anyone laugh no matter how bad there day was. I miss you so much and its hard to beleive what happened.You were a friend to so many.I just dont understand i guess God has bigger plans for you. You will always be in my heart.

Mom lit a candle on 17th April, 2008:

All I have now are the warm memories of you Curtis. God took you so young. I will love you forever and think of you always. I know you are with me always Curtis. There is a special place in my heart where you will always be. I will have no fear of dying, for you will be waiting for me on the other side. Curtis you are loved and missed by so many. I miss your sweet smile and those warm and loving hugs you always gave me. Till I see you again! XOXO

Kelsey Meyer lit a candle on 24th July, 2008:

Curtis..*
Well Haylee was two months old yesterday. I know you are watchin over her. They say that when babies look up at nothing and smile they are talking to angels. Well Haylee was fussy tuesday night so i took her outside and layed her on the swing.. she just talked and smiled at the sky. I know it was you. You were checkin on your Baby Neice, making sure she was happy. I Love gettin signs from you. Just to know you are still there..means so much! Ill write you again next month! I still miss you and love you like CRAZY!!

Love Always and Forever,

Kelsey Michel Meyer..*

shelly lininger lit a candle on 18th July, 2008:

curtis i really miss you and want you back when my sister told me about the crash i cried so much and my dad told me you pasted away i was so sad . my cousin audrey said i wish brice was here to cheer me up and i said nothing would cheer me up except to see you alive and well and i really miss you and wish you were here and not up there and so i just wish you had somthing broke like a leg and you were like my uncle on some ocasions and on the others i thought u were my brother because i always picked on you well i have to go and i love you so much and miss u

helen and timothy lit a candle on 12th July, 2008:

Hi Curits we miss you alot and timothy said to tell you to watch over his hampster. he knows that you will. this are frist candle that we have lete for you but it wont be the last. we miss and love you .we where going through pictures the other day and found the pictures when we came up to S.D. andyou went and took anap and we put the doll beside you when you was sleeping .Curtis i know that you are watch over your brothers and sister make sure you watch over your mom and danie and yor dad and jessica welove you and miss you ever day love grandma helen and timothy

Fluffy lit a candle on 10th July, 2008:

Turtle,
Im up here in south dakota staying with the family. and theres just an empty spot. it took me a long time to actually go into your room but your mom wanted me to see your nice orginized closent lol. when i walked in it was almost like i felt you, it felt like the air got thicker, it was the best feeling in the world but when i looked at your picture frame and seen my senior pictures i gave you over christmas and the picture of me and you hanging up i couldnt do anything but cry. it doesnt feel the same im still waiting for you to come home and chase me around. my birthday was today the big 18. danie held me down and smanked me. i know if you were here you would of been right there with im holding me down!! i just wish you could of been here to spend my birthday with me! i realy miss you turtle!
LOVE AND MISS YOU
forever fluffy

MOM lit a candle on 29th June, 2008:

Curtis, I have been wanting to light another candle, but it is so hard. I think about all the things we were going to do this summer and all the plans you had for yourself and I just don't understand what went wrong. I miss you so much it hurts, everyday you are all I can think about. When Haylee was born I wished so bad that you were there with us, but I am sure you were, I have a feeling that you were the first to give her a kiss. I know you will be looking over her, she is a doll.
Chad and some of your friends have worked so hard to get your pickup running and it runs good and sounds even better. You would love it I know. Now we are going to start on the body work and have a great paint job done on it. We are going to put the barb wire pin stripe that you had talked about. I am also going to have your picture put on the tailgate where all your friends and family have signed it. We are also going to put ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG on it. You would be so proud, and especially of Chad, I think he has learned some patience while working on the motor. He said you were the one with all the patience to do that kind of work, but he has done a really good job. Dustin, Lenai and I are going to go to Mo. this week, I can't wait to visit the cemetery again, it is so hard being up here and not able to go down there whenever I want to. I know you are with God and not there but that is all I have right now to somewhat console myself. I am so anxious to see Haylee and Hunter, I will give them both a kiss for you. Hunter has a cute little bear with a book and a picture of you inside that Corey says that he opens and talks to whenever he is thinking about you. Grandma misses you terribly, she calls and checks on us alot.
Curtis I thank God above that the night of the 4th before you left you gave me a hug and we both said I LOVE YOU, never ever would I have thought it would be the last one I would ever get. Curtis I miss you and love you so very much. I will be with you again, when it is my time, so until then, XOXO
You will always be in that special place in my heart.
LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER, MOM

Brittany Reinhardt lit a candle on 27th June, 2008:

Hey Curt,
Well I was sitting here looking at pictures it is so hard looking at pictures and realizing that you will never be here to talk to, make memories with, or even take silly pictures with! I miss you so much....You meant the world to me! Whenever I was having a bad day or just needed someone to talk to you were always there to listen and let me know that it was all going to be alright! I miss your jokes, your text messages, your "crooked" smile, your lazy eye when you were tired, your voicemails,and most of all the presence you had when you were around your me and your other friends and family! I will never forget last text you sent me the day before the accident that said "I Love You Dork"!

I will never forget you or all the fun memories we had! I can't wait until the day I see you again!

Watch over everyone I miss you and love you dork!!

XOXO Brittany

Dana (Aunt) lit a candle on 10th June, 2008:

Hey Curtis, Trying to find the right words to say is so hard. I am struggling with the thought I am not able to see you, it had been so long since I had seen you but I really thought we had plenty of time. You don't know how bad I wish I would have made sure we stayed in better touch. Jordan and Taylor were on their way to Oklahoma to a softball tournament and Jordan said she just got done talking to you and swears right after she saw a cloud that looked like it had a crooked grin, she tried taking a picture but it didnt turn out, so she said if your here with me let me know and sure enough she said a there was a cloud that spelled Curtis, she told tay to look and they both took pictures on their cell phones. I saw the pictures later and I can see how they saw your name but it wasnt real clear. We just miss you so much we look for you everywhere we go and in everything we do. Keep looking over your family and all who love you. You are still one of my heroes. God Bless you.

Lacey lit a candle on 5th June, 2008:

I miss you so much curtis! There isn't a single day that goes by that I don't think I don't think of you! :) ..or those darn rox!! I know that makes you smile..cause you always brough that up every day after that night! I was so glad that we reconciled and became friends again..its weird how and when it happened..God knew along his plan..I thank him every day that he allowed us to be friends again and put the past behind us. It was kinda funny how we would just laugh about our past mistakes and realize how dumb and young we were! I am so glad that you dinger and I went up to polo st. patty's weekend! That was such a blast..wish there could have been more amazing times like that. I can't believe that it will be two months tomoro..still doesn't seem real. There is so much I want to say to you I just can't find the right words to say them. I think of you and your family every day! Will you do me a huge favor? will you be by shaley jo's side and bring her back on her feet..I know I have said numerous prayers to you to watch over her but keep a close watch on her please! I miss you curtis and I know that someday I will get to see you again..but until then..love ya bunches!!!

Lacey

Leslie lit a candle on 30th May, 2008:

Curtis
I have known you since you were 5 years old. I keep seeing you on your big wheel, jumping ramps. You were so strong and indepentent. You were so fearless then and always. You were always on your way to fixing something. You grew into such a handsome strong and independent young man. You were taken from us way too early, but I know that you are in a better place and are looking over all of us. I have been to Burlington Jct. to see you a couple of times and it still doesn't seem real that you aren't with us. You were such a good friend to Chantal when she was going through some tough times, you will never know how much that meant to me to know that you were there for her. You were and always will be her best friend. I was so glad that you came down for Easter and that I got to see you. It wasn't nearly long enough, but I will always charish that time you were here. You were such a blessing to your family and friends and we will all miss you forever. I hope you know how much you are loved and missed. I love you and miss you every day. Leslie

Lacey lit a candle on 23rd May, 2008:

Hey curtis! I talked to your mom today..you have a baby neice! I know you were right there with her making sure she came peacefully! Thank you for bringing a little miracle into your family's life! Graduation was last weekend and it was hard to not see you receive your diploma. I know you were right there in the front row cheering us on. I was looking through old pictures and found that dinky scrapbook I made when were were like sophomores.We were pretty dorky back then. You were always a great boyfriend and a best friend! I will never forget those rocks that we hit or the jokes that followed the next week! We wore beautiful guardian angel pins at graduation for you!! Then we took a class picture and held a picture frame with your picture and all your classmates signed it! Watch over us and see you on the other side!

Wiley lit a candle on 21st May, 2008:

Curtis- I know you watching over everyone of your friends and family relatives. I know you're probably reading all these memorials that people have been writing about you. If there was anything that I remember about you, the one thing that sticks out the most was when your grandparents owned the Hardware Store in Burlington Jct. at least 12 years ago. I remember one day my parents had me go to the Hardware store when we lived in Burlington Jct. Well I went up to the store and your grandma was working. You were up there with her as well. I remember while I was looking for the thing my folks had me get you kept asking your grandma if you could have a pop. She kept saying not right now and you just kept asking. Soon she decided to give you $0.50 to get a pop (cause thats how much a can of pop was back then at most places). Then I remember you asking me to lift you up so you could put the money in the coin slots. So I was holding you so you could take care of that. I won't forget that after you pushed the button and the pop came out, you had this surprised and exciting look on your face and were clapping your hands as if something amazing had just happened. I won't ever forget that. It seems like I had just seen you the other day at my sister and brother in laws church service witnessing my brother in law getting baptized. It seems like it was just a week ago when I saw you when in reality it was almost 2 months ago. I remember that because I almost didn't even recognize you cause of it being the first time of seeing you in so long. I want to tell you that I look forward to seeing you when it's time for me to go. It's sad to see someone so young be taken away from us, but a few of us got to thinking that God needed you for his works. I believe that not only are you watching over all of us now from the other side, but I also believe that you are doing God's work right now and making heaven a much more enjoyable place when we get there. I also believe that you are working on getting God's Kingdom ready and prepared for us. Well keep up the good work in Heaven and I will see you whenever God calls me to come up home there.

mom lit a candle on 12th May, 2008:

Curtis I miss you so much, today is mother's day, this is my day to celebrate all of my children that God has blessed me with, but you were not here, it was so hard not having you with me today, to hug me on our day of celebration. I only wish we could turn back time and you would still be here with us. It still does not feel real. I still think you should be coming home from work around 7 or 8 each night. I am so glad that you missed school to go to Sioux Falls with Danie and I and went to Huron with me, just to mess around. I will never forget that special time we had together. The little orange bear that got hung up by the tag, and they shook the machine so hard until he fell out. That bear stays in my room and reminds me of that day. We had so many things to do this summer, planning a vacation, fishing trips to the river, we always had so much fun when we went. We were going to go out to the hills, and south Mo. camping.
This weekend is graduation, I can't imagine what it is going to be like, I am so scared. Although I know you will be right there with me. The school is going to present your signed diploma in your honor, you earned it.
Your dad will be up on Thursday, he is going to help Chad and they are going to put the motor in your pickup. I'm sure you will be there helping them too.
Curtis, not a moment goes by that I am not thinking about you and praying that you are with God and that you are happy. I know you are with grandpa Jr. and have probably been fishing, golfing and all kinds of fun things. I just with I could see you one more time, hear your voice, look into your beautiful warm brown eyes and see that sweet smile. I would hold on so tight and let you know how special you are and how much you are needed.
Curtis I know I will be with you again, but until that time you are in my heart and soul always and forever. I am thinking of you always.
Until we are together again Curtis, I Love You, and I miss you!!! XOXOXOXO

Jesse lit a candle on 12th May, 2008:

Hey Turtle,
We finally got those wristbands for ya. I've worn mine since i got it on friday. Its still hard to think that you are gone. I missed ya at prom this year. I spose everyone did. I wrecked my car a couple, three weeks ago. I'm going to miss havin you fix my radio. again. I miss ya everytime my class in in AG class. I love ya man. We all will miss you so much. xoxoxo

kayla lininger lit a candle on 4th May, 2008:

cutis i miss you and always will, i wish you would have never left cause we all loved you and cared about you. the day i heard you had your crash i was crying for about 1 hour and then i couldnt cry any more. after that i went to the crash site and i cryed more then every i didnt want to drive cause you had pasted away and you were like an uncle to me or a brother cause you were always nice to me and i miss you pickin on me because i toke your hat or pushed you. hope one day i can see you again if not i will see you when i get up there cause i really do miss you curtis. love kayla lininger wish you would have gotin a broken leg or a broken arm so that we all didnt have to see you go cause you had a get thing goin for ya. LOVE YA AND MISS YA ALOT!!

shelly lininger lit a candle on 2nd May, 2008:

Curtis I really miss you and wish you were here and i have a spot down here and i talk to you and i hope you can hear me and i think of you all the time and you were my best friend.

Lenai- sister lit a candle on 30th April, 2008:

I keep thinking about what all went on and in a way I don't understand it all. I never ever thought in a million years that it would be you. This has really opened up my eyes and I hope it has opened others too! This all just seems like a big nightmare that I will never wake up from. I will never forget the day you came home from work and told me that I could only have one hug a day, but now I am really going to miss them now and more than ever!It was always nice to come home from school and just be with you. I always looked up to you, sometimes more than you realized. My life will never be the same without you because you were more than a big brother to me you were MY BEST FRIEND!Everyone says it will get better and easier every day, but I don't believe it. There is a very special place in my heart you will always be! I know each and every day you right here with me! I will miss your big smile and warm loving hugs and I love you till I see you again! I WILL MISS AND LOVE YOU BIG BROTHER AND MY BEST FRIEND!

Chad-brother lit a candle on 29th April, 2008:

Curtis, I will never forget the day before the wreck, you stopped by my house, like you always did. Just to hang out and visit or maybe eat a steak or bring us a pizza. I was complaining about calving, not having enough help when I needed it. That next day about 4:00, just out of the blue, you showed up after school, and asked me if I needed any help. That day I didn't, but I wish so much that I would have, just so I could have spent that time with you. I LOVED BEING WITH YOU !!! We hung out ALOT and they all were the greatest times ever. Hunting, there are endless stories there, ha!ha! fishing, there too, and golfing, they were all the best times in my whole life. You aren't just my little (BIG) brother, you are my BEST FRIEND!!! We always had a blast, no matter what it was we were doing, it was fun and exciting! We always made the best of things, no matter what we were doing. Those smiles on your face were priceless and the laughs we had: I remember about a month ago, you and Jacki went with me to check cows, around 10:00 at night, because of bad weather we went through the creek in my old blue pickup and just caked the windshield with mud, we couldn't see out. We were out of wiper fluid so you got up on the hood and peed on the windshield while I ran the wipers. Then I had to pee on my side because you didn't get it good enough, that was great, leave it to us to do something like that!(RIGHT) Curtis, brother, I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU so much, we were a team you and me. The times we went down to the river fishing in my little boat, (about the size of a bath tub.) Remember when we had just gotten the boat in the water and an older couple pulled up to the dock in a fancy big boat, and we heard her say to her husband, "remember hunny thats like the first boat we had back in 1970." We just laughed our butts off. But no matter what, we always caught fish and usually lots of them. And the times dad and the family came to Miller, you, dad, Connor and I went golfing, that was fun. And all the times just you and me went, that was GREAT TOO!!! We always lost 10 balls, but found 15 before we were done. Oh Curtis, there are endless stories. I just always prayed for a full lifetime of them with you. I prayed so much for you. You mean the world to me. Theres been a huge piece of my heart just ripped out, that will never heal. I miss you bud, and I think about you everyday all day long. I know I will be with you again, but it can't be soon enough. I know you are with me, right here beside me all the time. But its not fair, you were needed here. I know when we go fishing this summer, you will be right there with us, helping us to catch the big ones, or just having fun trying.
I Love You more than anthing in the world, and I will Love you always!!!
Until we are together again, XOXOXOXOXO

Dustin lit a candle on 28th April, 2008:

Cutis-
You were an awesome brother. i cant even imagine how i am going to move on. i never imagined that i would have such a horrible time in my life i was only thirteen and i didnt say you could go i needed you here you were going to teach me about cars and engines and all the stuff that brothers are supposed to do together. your time was definetley not long enough on this world. i have been talking to you and praying that some day i can see you again. i know that i have to be strong like you were and i need to take care of mom. now she has a whole in her heart where you were that is just filled with the warm loving memories of the greatest brother that ever walked this planet.I know that you know but ill tell you this every day i just want you to know how much i love you and how much i am going to miss you i know ill get to see you again but i am sure it will not be soon enough.i am going to go now so ill talk to you later bro I LOVE YOU CURTIS DAREK DAWSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Fluffy" lit a candle on 28th April, 2008:

Turtle,
I miss you so much! Theres not a day that goes by i dont think about you or look at your pictures. I was looking through old pictures and found a picture from when we were little and it made me think of our first day of head start, i actually remember it we had to ride the bus with someone older and when we got back to your house we sat in your little plastic log cabin and you told me you were made at me for not being your bus partner! Its crazy how much we've been through together, i was so upset when you moved, then i moved up to South Dakota with you and all you could do was ask when i was leaving, but then ya got used to me and was mad when i left. Now i wish i would of stayed and spent some more time with you. I miss the late nights of staying up and eating cookie dough and taking about our relationships, and the chases are the house with the airsoft guns.
Im just glad you got to come down for easter! That was a pretty crazy and fun weekend! Ill never forget it. or you! I miss you so much turtle...i went to BJ and seen you today...i talked to you..and i waited there hoping you would talk back...pretty dumb huh. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU TURTLE!
Chantal
"Fluffy"

Doug & Marsha lit a candle on 27th April, 2008:

No words can possibly explain the profound feeling of loss we all are experiencing. Curtis, you are missed so much! Keep watch over your family and friends from Heaven and guide them as only you can. You are such an awesome young man and always such fun to be around. Our vacation trips to SD will not be the same without you to joke around with! Missing you in Missouri...

Naomi lit a candle on 26th April, 2008:

Curtis-I have been thinking about what to write to you because you gave us so many wonderful memories that it is hard to come up with what you meant to us. As I told you, you were an anwesome guy a parents dream, you were so loving, caring and sharing of yourself. We once spoke of quantity verse quality and the quality of time and love you gave to family and friends so out did the quantity of time you had to give it.

Hunter Dawson (4 years old) lit a candle on 25th April, 2008:

Uncle Curtis,
Thanks so much for playing "Simon Says" with me at Easter time. I will never forget that. Guess what Curtis? I got the best present ever from mommy's friend Kim. It's a teddy bear that is called Whispers From Heaven. The teddy bear is holding a little book and inside the book is a place for your picture and it says that you love me so much. When I want to talk to you Curtis, all I have to do is get my teddy bear. I love you Curtis!!!!

Dana Austin lit a candle on 25th April, 2008:

You are my hero, you touched so many hearts and made so many people happy. You knew just how to make whom ever you were talking to feel like they were the most important person. You were a true gift and we are all blessed to have been apart of your life. You will always be in my heart, God Bless you Curtis I will always love and miss you. Lots of Love, Dana

Tanner lit a candle on 25th April, 2008:

Hey Curtis i didnt really know you but i know you were a great guy and fun to be around by what iv heard R.I.P. Curtis, keep on truckin

Jessica Ortmeier lit a candle on 24th April, 2008:

Hey Curt,
Wish you were still here to eat lunch with us everyday. If it was eating the not so good lunch at school or racing up town to get the freshest cheesy garlic bread we always had a good time. I will never forget the time where you made me eat that beat smothered in ranch and chicken dip, not so good, but thanks for the dollar. And then bowling with tape down the hallways...how childish? How old are we? ...you replied with 4 years old! Then, that Friday that you just had to draw that smily face on the hood of my car we got in trouble cuz it might scratch the car. And i'm pretty sure that I didnt like your reaction to my sunroof.."hell no"? Curt we had some pretty good times whether it was hiding hats or keys...Words can't describe how much I will miss you. Can't wait to see you again!

P.S. - I took your yellow laptop label off of your locker...Sarah told me to.

Love you
Jess

Geri lit a candle on 24th April, 2008:

Hey Curt!! I will always remember all those good time we had in Art! You and your crazy art projects! You had some pretty goods ones but I think my favorite was the Bunny!! Times have been tough without you here but I know you are in a bigger and better place watching over the ones you love to keep them safe! We are all thinking of you and how much fun you where! Where ever you were you always had a smile and made everyone laugh! You were a great friend to everyone and I wish we could of had more memories! I love you Curt and will never forget ya!!

Love Always,
Geri Marie Blachford

isaac 5 months old lit a candle on 23rd April, 2008:

im typing 4 my baby brother. i luv u curtis. r.i.p. braiden/isaac

Tina (Dawson) Sanders lit a candle on 23rd April, 2008:

Curtis I only have good memories of you and the main thing i knew about you was you always wanted to make everyone happy and you were good at accomplishing that. You are greatly missed and I know you will be there to help your Mom, Dad and all family. You did have those brown smiley eyes and it will be so hard to not see them again, but only in pictures. It just doesnt seem fair they took you so soon, but God has a plan for you now and I know your in a good place, but our hearts ache for the loss of such a wonderful young man. As for Judy and Danie and Terry and Jessica i cant imagine the heart ache you are going thru and may God be there to guide you thru, because i dont know how you would otherwise. I am always here for you guys, you need all the support you can get. If we could only go back in time and change that night of April 5, 2008. Curtis, I love you and R.I.P.

Lacey lit a candle on 22nd April, 2008:

Hey Curtis,
Prom was this weekend as you know and it went pretty well but it was missing one thing..you! I guess we never got to have our dance that you promised me! We all miss you so much and think of you every day. Graduation won't be the same without you..I will see you on the other side!

Macaela lit a candle on 22nd April, 2008:

Curtis, I miss you so much. You're amazing. I am going to miss making cookies for you. I wish I'd have watched while you were working on mine and my mom's car because I would have learned from the best. You were always there for anyone who needed help..whether it was just to talk or a get down and get your hands dirty kind of job. Thanks for helpin me move my grandma's pool table and sorry for embarassing you....you were the coolest person I had ever me and now know.
I can't wait till I see you again. Take care and hope your hands aren't too full watchin out for Dustin and Lenai and the rest of your family!

Lane lit a candle on 22nd April, 2008:

Hey Curtis, always figured me and you would have alot more stories than we ended up with. I guess God had a bigger plan for you. I cant wait to see you on the other side.
Love you buddy,
Lane

Jake Waring lit a candle on 22nd April, 2008:

Turtle was a great friend to everyone he ever met. There were very few people Curt didn't like, and even fewer people that didn't like Curt. The family of Curtis Dawson should be very proud, because Curt was always proud of all of his family and was more than happy to introduce you to any of them at any time. Curt will be missed by many.

kris ashley's mom lit a candle on 22nd April, 2008:

Hey Curtis

I just received an email from your mom. Hopefully her and I can help eachother through this hell and try to understand why god took you and my ashley? Please be there for her like the brother she never had. Tell her I will never give up the fight. She will have justice and she will rest inpeace. But stay close to your mom. Trust me when I tell you she needs you more than ever. Just somehow lwt her know you are always watching over her. She misses you so much, and this grief is newer to her than me. Granted not by much, but it is. I will help your mom and she can help me and you and ash watch over eachother. She will show ya the ropes if she isnt already running the place lol. Rest in peace. Hang in there mom

Kris

Kris Ashley Stuart's Mom lit a candle on 20th April, 2008:

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I lost my only child Ashley on June 25th of last year she had just turned 18 and graduated from high school. I buried her 20 days after I watched her walk across the stage and receive her diploma. I know too well the dreams we have as a mom, to watch our children grow and then we must let them go and we lose them. I lost Ashley 2 weeks after she moved out. She had so many dreams for herself and I had so many dreams myself. Hang in there each day will be different. Some good and some bad, but always know he will be with you. If you need to talk please contact me at stuart_km@yahoo.com. I would love to be able to know we can possibly help each other through this.

Rest in Peace Curtis
Kris