On the morning of December 9, Christopher Chad Dawson lost the battle of severe depression. After years of suffering with anxiety, depression set hold and Chris was unable to escape its clutch. Chris was a loving father. He found happiness in teaching Luke sport skills and watching him at his sport games. He helped Luke through a lot of his anxiety, but was overwhelmed with the thought of Luke growing up to be like him. Bree was his little princess and he never wanted to go to bed without a kiss and big hug. His children adored him and he adored them.
Chris worked hard to overcome his anxiety. He obtained his business degree form TCU before deciding he wanted to commit his life to medicine. He sacrificed fun, free time, and relaxation to receive his medical degree in UTHSCSA. He then took on the challenge of surgical residency in Phoenix, AZ. Between his ever present anxiety, long work hours and intense stress, the Chris we knew and loved began to fade. Chris and Rachel started having extreme marital problems, but the children were always loved above all. He managed to make it through residency, but was damaged and attempted to self-medicate his hurt. He fought to get out of the deep, deep hole he was in but was afraid of the repercussion of his career if he were to get professional help. He felt hopeless, worthless, and trapped. On Saturday morning, while not in his right mind, he did the unimaginable. But that was not the Chris his family and friends knew and loved. Chris was an intelligent surgeon, a loving father who had so much to offer the world. But the sick disease of depression, anxiety and addiction did not allow him to continue the journey.
Survived by his wife, Rachel Williams Dawson, parents, Ken & Joyce Dawson of Burleson. Brothers, Jeremy & wife, Bianca Dawson, Colton Dawson and Michael & wife, Becky Timberlake. And a multitude of extended family.