Orval "Lee" Dawley

Orval “Lee” Dawley of Oscoda, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at St. Mary’s of Michigan – Saginaw. He was 73 years old. Orval Lee Dawley was born on June 6, 1946, in Gladwin, Michigan, to the late Ivan and Esther (Lehmann) Dawley. After high school, Lee began working as a lineman for General Motors, a career that spanned over 33 years before his retirement. He married his soul mate and the love of his life, Helena Ann Maldaner on March 8, 1991, in Ohio; she survives him. Lee was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Oscoda. He enjoyed fishing and camping. Lee was a handyman and a tinkerer by nature. He had a mechanical mind with unwavering precision, dedication and patience to fix anything. Known as “Free Lee”, he selflessly gave to others and always saw the goodness in every single person he met. Above all, Lee loved and cherished his family and will forever be remembered for his gifts of conversation and befriending all.

Surviving are his wife of 29 years, Helena Ann Dawley of Oscoda; four children: Brian (Diana) Dawley of CA; Vicki (Bob) Stanley of Daytona, FL; Tina (Shane) Doyon of Birch Run; Todd (Lisa) Corder of Atlanta, GA; 7 grandchildren: Oliver Dawley, Tyler, Nick and Sydney Doyon; Jensen, Jack and Josh Corder; brother, Charles (Nancy) Dawley; sister, Shirley (Don) Needman. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister: Ivan Dawley, Jr.; Pauline Manafold; Pat Dawley.

Honoring Lee’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Heart Association, 2469 Woodlake Cir Suite 100, Okemos, Michigan, 48864. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.casefuneralhome.com.