Michael Lee Dawes

Mike Dawes, of Cedar Lake/Hinton, Oklahoma, passed away on August 30, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 75 following cardiac arrest. His passing came after several years of courageously battling complications from adult-onset Type 2 diabetes. Michael Lee Dawes was born on December 7, 1949, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, the son of Juanita Jean (Simmons) Dawes and Lee Kenmoth Dawes. He grew up in Lawton and Oklahoma City, graduating from Putnam City High School in 1968. A gifted musician, he proudly played trombone in the Pirate’s Marching Band. In the 1970s, Mike owned and operated Cimarron Trading Co. in Oklahoma City, a shop specializing in American Indian art and turquoise jewelry as well as rare coins. In 1984, he earned an associate degree in Jewelry Manufacturing & Repair from Oklahoma State University School of Technical Training in Okmulgee. With his talent and skill, Mike mentored several on-the-job trainees, who went on to successful careers in the jewelry industry. In 2000, he received the Oklahoma Jewelers Association Award for Outstanding Design, a testament to his artistry and craftsmanship. Over the years, Mike worked as a jeweler in several Oklahoma City metro area jewelry stores before finding his professional home at CNS Jewelry & Watch Repair in 2002. There, his colleagues became like family, and he remained until his retirement in 2023. Mike was a proud patriot who believed deeply in the Godly principles on which the United States of America was founded. We all admired Mike's vast knowledge of 'everything', especially history. He was a classic film buff through and through. His favorite film was (1958) The Big Country, he loved that musical score! He was a passionate collector of a wide variety of eclectic items and books, especially western themed. He had a keen eye for treasures and saw value in what others might regard as junk. Mike was an artist that created beauty. His home was filled with original paintings and creations. True to Isaiah 61:3 from the Bible, Mike's life was a living expression of "beauty from ashes." Mike never gave up hope. He attended Cedar Lake Chapel, and his life was marked by faith, kindness and generosity. He had a heart of gold. Family was one of Mike’s greatest joys. He especially cherished time with his nieces and nephews and took pride in their many accomplishments. He also treasured his many lifelong friendships, including those with Wayne Ferguson, John Hays, Sonny Ramirez, Vickie Scott, and Doug Bayless. They each brought their own unique light to his life. Mike was thankful to have connected with his distant cousin, Carl Ellison. Mike loved spending as much time as he could with his many cousins, friends and extended family. He shared a special bond with his former wife and closest friend, Debbie Haggard-Young, who lovingly supported him through his final days. Mike will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Mike is survived by his siblings: Patt Dawes of Oklahoma City; Pam Dillinger and husband Michael of Purcell, OK; and Greg Dawes and wife Kathy of Boynton Beach, FL. He also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews: Joshua Dawes of Clinton, IA; Darcie Dillinger Challis and husband Cale (Grace & Madison) of Norman, OK; Joseph Dawes and wife Jamie (Sawyer, Piper & Tucker) of Clinton, IA; and Laine Dillinger Wallace and husband Corbin (Blair & Graham) of Oklahoma City. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Norman’s Medical Park West Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Facility for the excellent care they provided. They surrounded Mike with hope, love, and acceptance in a family environment during his final days. Mike's room was transformed into a cozy space adorned with his artwork that brought him comfort and joy. A graveside memorial service will be held at Cache Cemetery, 1264 NW Paint Rd., Cache, OK, on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Mike especially loved the Wichita Mountains in the fall.

Michael Lee Dawes

December 7, 1949 - August 30, 2025