Robert Wayne Dawson (May 9, 1924 – October 20, 2014), or "Sheriff Bob", was an American television personality, meteorologist, and producer. Dawson was famous for creating and hosting the children's television series Sheriff Bob, which featured his kind-hearted personality and direct connection to his young audiences.[1] The program aired from 1954 until 1978.[2]
Bob Dawson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Robert Wayne Dawson May 9, 1924 Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | October 20, 2014 (aged 90) Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Other names | Sheriff Bob |
| Alma mater | Drake University (BA) American Institute of the Air |
| Occupation(s) | Children's television presenter, actor, television producer, meteorologist |
| Years active | 1954–2014 |
| Spouse | Margaret |
| Children | 2 |
Early and personal life
editDawson was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 9, 1924, the son of Leland Wayne and Lillian Opal Dawson. After high school he attended Drake University and the American Institute of the Air studying Radio Broadcasting. Dawson served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II as an Artillery Sergeant where he received the Bronze Star.
Throughout the years Dawson worked a variety of jobs. Following the war, he worked as the morning DJ at KCBC and as an on-air announcer at KGTV in Des Moines. He later moved to Eau Claire where he worked at WEAU for 24 years, then in public relations at the Eau Claire Consumer's Cooperative for 11 years. Dawson worked for a short time at Luther Hospital and was elected to serve on the Eau Claire County Board for several years.
Television career
editIn 1954, Dawson began working at WEAU, a Wisconsin television station. Dawson was the meteorologist during newscasts. Dawson created the Sheriff Bob program for the station in 1954.[3] The show ran for about 25 years and featured a live studio audience of children.[4] Dawson also visited children in area hospitals boosting their spirits and making them smile.[5]
Death and honors
editDawson died in 2014 at the age of 90.[6] He is interred at Rest Haven Cemetery. In 2007, the Eau Claire County Board recognized Dawson and named him as 'Honorary Sheriff.' A documentary was produced about Sheriff Bob's life and aired on public television stations.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Famous for children's show, 'Sheriff Bob' Dawson of Eau Claire dies at 90". Twin Cities Pioneer Press. October 20, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
- ^ Tyler, Amanda (October 20, 2014). ""Sheriff Bob" dies at age 90". WEAU 13 News. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
- ^ Hi There, Boys and Girls!: America's Local Children's TV Shows, pg. 298
- ^ Paulus, Mike (October 21, 2014). "So Long, Sheriff Bob: Local legend Bob Dawson passes away". VolumeOne Magazine. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
- ^ "Sheriff Bob Documentary". YouTube. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
- ^ "Community bids farewell to notable people who left indelible marks during their lifetimes". American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
- ^ Malina, Chris (November 13, 2014). "Remembering Bob Dawson and the Sheriff Bob Show". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved March 29, 2018.