Dawson Back

January 17, 1938 - July 21, 2025

Dawson Dean Back (Dean) passed on July 21, 2025. Dean was born in Jeremiah, KY on January 17, 1938 and carried his Kentucky roots with pride throughout his life.

After completing high school at Stuart Robinson School in Blackey, KY, he moved to Nashville, TN at the age of 17 to attend Auto-Diesel College. From there, he moved to Indiana, where he would remain for the rest of his life, except for a stint serving his country in the U.S. Army.

From 1961 to 1963, Dean was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii. He began his military service in the auto pool and ended up in the mess hall as a cook. The skills he learned in the mess hall would bring joy to his family and friends for decades to come.

Dean worked as a mechanic for much of his life, including time at International Harvester in Indianapolis. He ended his career at Lyndhurst Lawnmower in Speedway, IN, a business he proudly owned for 24 years with his beloved wife, Nancy Harmon-Back.

A dedicated Mason and Shriner, Dean was a longtime member of Masonic Lodge #135 in Nashville, IN where he celebrated 50 years of being a Mason and helped coordinate a renovation of the lodge. He was also a frequent participant in lodge fundraisers for Shriner’s children’s hospitals.

Dean found deep joy in his “patch” of land near Nashville, IN and spending time with family and friends. Together with Nancy, he transformed a once undeveloped piece of land into a welcoming home that became the heart of many family gatherings. Their prolific garden on the Patch was a source of pride and the scene of an unending battle between Dean and the local wildlife that sought to consume it.

Dean was a consummate story teller, known for his infectious laugh, his quick wit, his good-natured teasing and his numerous sayings.

Dean had a large family with whom he loved to spend time. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy Harmon-Back, his children from a previous marriage, Kelli Back (Gary Pemberton) and Jeff Back (Erika), and his step (bonus) children: Linda “Susie” Harmon-Blaesing; John Harmon (Debbie); Rosanna Groves; Terri Norris (Dan); and Sherri Pursel as well as his grandchildren: Lance Groves; Kasey Flanagan; Brianna Harmon; Kay Groves; Tyler Norris; Zach Harmon; Krissy Hynds; Kim Groves; and Dani Parrish. He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by his father, Dawson Back, his mother, Virgie Hampton Back, his brothers Don Back and Teddy Back, and his sister Lois Caldwell.

Dean will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his love of life and the laughter he brought into every room.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 9^th at University Heights Christian Church, 4050 Shelby St., Indianapolis, IN 46227. Visitation begins at 1pm. The service will begin at 2pm.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cremation Society of Indiana.

Below you may share a condolence or share a memory.

Dawson Dean Back (Dean) passed on July 21, 2025. Dean was born in Jeremiah, KY on January 17, 1938 and carried his Kentucky roots with pride throughout his life. After completing high school at Stuart Robinson School in Blackey, KY, he moved to Nashville, TN at the age of 17 to attend Auto-Diesel College. FromContinue Reading

See Condolences

My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the entire family that loved and adored Dean. I loved Dean. I have wonderful memories of first meeting him at the lawnmower shop. I brought in a chainsaw for a tune up and Dean told me it would be about six weeks before he could get to it. Wuuut?! He explained the problem was because of the down time the pickup/delivery took, so I offered my services to help out. I was brought on board. A quick memory. The shop had a flat bed Toyota that I used for deliveries, and I would take Austin with me. He was two. When at the shop I would put 2 yr old Austin in the back of the truck, like a playpen, and chase him around as Austin ran from side to side. Dean would stand just outside the garage door and laugh at our Keystone Cop style chase around the back of the truck as Austin laughed and giggled at my attempts to catch him. I loved hearing Dean laugh at us. I can still see and hear him when I think about it. In my mind Dean was straight forward, honest, with ‘old school’ integrity. I enjoyed talking to him and I always learned something from our conversations. My heart is heavy knowing Dean has moved on. I have great memories of him during those days at the shop and at ‘The Patch’. Thank you Mr. Dean Bach for the memories, your service to this country and your influence on those of us that knew you. Good bye sir. Respectfully, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen W. & Jean M. Knight Mr. Austin W. Knight Ms. Samantha M. Knight

I love you Uncle Dean!

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Dawson Back . Plant a Tree

My sweet Uncle Dean. How I looked forward to seeing him. He was genuinely so warm and his laughter was deep, warm and always lifted my spirits. He treated me with love every time, even though I was a step-cousin. My heart hurts. I am praying for my Aunt Nancy, cousins and Dean's family to be blessed with peace and to spread Uncle Dean's infectious love and laughter forever. Love you Uncle Dean!!❤️

Dean truly was a great man. He helped me through many of rough time and always did it with a smile. That is how I will always remember him.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Dawson Back . Plant a Tree

So sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for all of you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.