Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2009

Former Granite City alderman and barber killed in collision with bus

Former Granite City alderman, 86, known for community service

An 86-year-old former Granite City alderman was killed Tuesday morning when his car collided with a Madison County Transit bus in Granite City.

Emerald E. Dawes, of 1632 Moro, died as a result of the accident that happened about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Illinois 203 and Venice Avenue, Police Maj. Jeff Connor said.

Police said the MCT bus was driving north on Illinois 203, south of Maryville Road, when a 2006 Ford Five Hundred stopped at a stop sign and then pulled out in front of the bus from Venice Avenue.

Dawes, the driver of the Ford, was extricated from the wreckage and taken to Gateway Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:08 a.m.

He died as a result of blunt chest trauma, according to Madison County Coroner Steven P. Nonn.

However, Dawes' autopsy also revealed extensive cardiac disease that may have precipitated the crash and is being further investigated, Nonn said.

The bus driver and two occupants were treated at local hospitals with minor injuries, Connor said.

City Clerk Judy Whitaker said Dawes served as an alderman from 1971 to 1987. He had run for re-election as recently as 1999.

Dawes was a longtime barber in Granite City and once had a shop in Bellmore Village on Nameoki Road.

In fact, Dawes may have been on his way to cut hair for patients at Gateway Regional, Whitaker said.

Madison County Board member Helen Hawkins remembered Dawes as a political friend and someone who offered his barbershop skills to senior citizens.

She recalled running against Dawes for the county board: "After it was over, we shook hands," she said. "I don't hold any grudges against anybody. You just have to work together, and many times, we'd end up good friends, like with Emerald."

She said that Dawes hailed from Nameoki Township, before it was annexed into Granite City. "Those were his stomping grounds."

Hawkins was impressed by Dawes' work at the hospital, even through his own recent failing health, she said.

"He would go to hospital and give seniors their haircut; he was a barber by trade," she said. "I always thought that was so nice that he did that type of thing. ... The thing I'll remember most about him was his kindness to the seniors and, you know, shaving them, giving their haircuts. He'd do all that out of the goodness of his heart. I like to remember somebody who had given so much to the community."

The collision is under investigation, but MCT officials said it appears the bus driver acted according to his training and made every effort possible to avoid the car.

MCT Managing Director Jerry Kane released the following statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the individuals who were injured this morning, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the gentleman who was fatally injured today. I also want to commend the first responders, specifically the Granite City police and fire departments, who were both on the scene immediately."

Funeral arrangements for Dawes are pending at Irwin Chapel in Granite City.