DARRYL J. DAWES

September 5, 1966 – January 19, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Darryl Jerome Dawes, who transitioned
from this life on January 19, 2025, surrounded by love, family and music. Darryl was born on September
5, 1966, on Walson Army Hospital in Fort Dix, New Jersey, to Ethel Grace Dawes and James Edward
Dawes. As a child of an Air Force family, Darryl’s life was rooted in discipline, resilience, and a sense of
adventure that shaped him into the remarkable person we all loved.
 
Darryl’s life was a testament to perseverance and triumph over adversity. At just 18 months old, he lost
his sight due to bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare form of retinal cancer. Despite this, Darryl’s spirit and
determination knew no limits. His blindness did not hinder him; rather, it amplified his incredible
talents, curiosity, and passion for helping others.
 
From a young age, Darryl demonstrated a gift for music that astounded everyone around him. He
learned to play the piano, trumpet, and accordion, mastering each instrument with an ear for
perfection. By age 9, Darryl had already won his first talent show, playing “What’d I Say” by Ray Charles.
He later learned braille music to further his abilities, but he primarily relied on his innate talent to play
anything he heard.
 
Darryl’s passion for learning extended beyond music. He was deeply committed to helping others,
teaching braille and computer skills to those who were visually impaired. He shared his knowledge,
empowering others to navigate their lives with greater independence and confidence.
 
Darryl graduated from San Bernardino High School, where he was first chair trumpet player and earned
a partial music scholarship. His talent and dedication led him to play at countless weddings, funerals,
church services, and performances, spanning genres from gospel to jazz, mariachi, country, and soul. As
a church music director, Darryl’s gifts blessed congregations starting with Christ Temple Church and
many others throughout his life.
 
Darryl was more than a musician—he was a philosopher, a jokester, and a beacon of light. His charm
and wit lit up every room, and his curiosity about other cultures and people led him to learn bits of
Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Tagalog, and many other languages. He approached life with an
open heart, a love for learning, and a readiness to connect with others.
 
Even in the face of cancer, Darryl remained strong, attending choir rehearsals and band practices up
until his final days. Music was his lifeline, and he played his keyboard for the last time just days before
his passing. His perseverance, faith, and love for music inspired everyone who knew him.
 
Darryl is survived by his daughter, Micah Cortez; his mother, Ethel Dawes; his brothers, Richard Dawes
(fiance, Diane) and Joseph Dawes (wife, Roxane); his sisters, BarbaraTeri Batiste (husband, Anthony) and
Debi Stone; his grandchildren, Serenity Joy Edwards, Gabrielle Mills, Belicia Cortez, Agustin Cortez, He is
also survived by nine nieces: Brittany, Miranda, LeahRose, Keisha, Brianna, Rosalynn, Monique, Darcelle,
and TreAnna and one nephew, Joseph, Jr., and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in
death by his father, James Dawes and granddaughter Camia Cortez.
 

The family extends a special thank you to Andrea Harlin, his caregiver since April 2023. She provided
excellent care for "Mr. D" for the past 20 months and has become an honorary member of our family.
 
A celebration of Darryl’s extraordinary life will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations
can be made to support The Lighthouse for the Blind in San Bernardino for the visually impaired, a cause
Darryl passionately supported.
 
Darryl’s music has ended, but his melody and legacy will forever echo in our hearts.

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