In Loving Memory Of
Dawson Lee Adler
April 3, 1999 -
March 20, 2026
In the care of
Fraser Funeral Home
Dawson Lee Adler (BigRed), 26, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 20, 2026. Dawson was born on April 3, 1999, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Denise Lee-Adler and David Adler.
He was preceded in death by his papa, Steven Adler Sr.
Dawson is survived by his loving wife, Makenzie Kemp Adler; his parents, Denise Lee-Adler and David Adler; his grandpa and grandma, Dennis and Sylvia Lee; his nana, Paulette Adler; his brother, Blake Adler; his sister-in-law and her husband, Brittany and Dylan Markham; his nephews, Emmett and Jaxson Markham; his uncle and aunt, Steven Adler II and Lora Adler; his cousin, Justin Adler, along with his wife, Victoria Adler, and their children, Hailee and Kasen Adler; his father- and mother-in-law, Jerry Kemp II and Marcie Kemp; as well as many other beloved family members.
Dawson was both an ordinary boy and an extraordinary one. He loved the simple joys of growing up—his go-kart, his four-wheeler, and spending time outdoors—but what set him apart was his curiosity and passion for understanding how things worked. He delighted in taking things apart, learning their inner workings, and putting them back together again.
He treasured his first truck, which was given to him by his grandma and grandpa for his 16th birthday. Dawson also had a deep passion for motorcycles, especially his Harley, and took great pride in working on and caring for them. In fact, Dawson meticulously cared for everything he valued—his truck, his motorcycle, his tools, and, most importantly, the people he loved.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially when Makenzie was there to help by taking the fish off the hook for him. Dawson was kind, intelligent, and dependable—a helper his family could always count on. He was loved by everyone who knew him.
Like many boys, Dawson was active in sports, playing t-ball, soccer, baseball, and football, and later participating in weightlifting. He attended Trinity Christian Academy from K4 through 12th grade, graduating with the Class of 2017. As a member of the football team, he was part of their remarkable four consecutive state championship victories. He also competed in the state championship weightlifting competition during both his junior and senior years. While Dawson’s physical strength was impressive, it was his love for others that truly defined him.
He continued his education at Florida State College at Jacksonville, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public safety. In true Dawson fashion, he often joked, “C’s get degrees.”
In November 2020, Dawson met the love of his life, Makenzie, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. Neither of them had envisioned a future that included marriage or children but meeting each other changed everything. They were married on November 15, 2025, at a beautiful destination wedding in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Dawson was strong in his faith and his love for Jesus Christ. His family takes great solace knowing that he is in Heaven and that they will see him again one day.
To know Dawson was to love him. He had a way of making people laugh—sometimes at him, sometimes because of him—but always leaving them smiling. He loved fiercely, and to be loved by him was a true gift. Dawson was a devoted husband, a proud dog dad, and a deeply loving son, brother, uncle, and grandson.
Now that Dawson is gone, there is a profound void in our lives—one that can never be filled. He will forever be missed, and life will never be the same without him.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Dawson’s beloved dogs, Bambi and Nacho, donations may be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society.
In honor of Dawson’s passions, you are encouraged to wear Harley, camo, or Trinity attire.
He was preceded in death by his papa, Steven Adler Sr.
Dawson is survived by his loving wife, Makenzie Kemp Adler; his parents, Denise Lee-Adler and David Adler; his grandpa and grandma, Dennis and Sylvia Lee; his nana, Paulette Adler; his brother, Blake Adler; his sister-in-law and her husband, Brittany and Dylan Markham; his nephews, Emmett and Jaxson Markham; his uncle and aunt, Steven Adler II and Lora Adler; his cousin, Justin Adler, along with his wife, Victoria Adler, and their children, Hailee and Kasen Adler; his father- and mother-in-law, Jerry Kemp II and Marcie Kemp; as well as many other beloved family members.
Dawson was both an ordinary boy and an extraordinary one. He loved the simple joys of growing up—his go-kart, his four-wheeler, and spending time outdoors—but what set him apart was his curiosity and passion for understanding how things worked. He delighted in taking things apart, learning their inner workings, and putting them back together again.
He treasured his first truck, which was given to him by his grandma and grandpa for his 16th birthday. Dawson also had a deep passion for motorcycles, especially his Harley, and took great pride in working on and caring for them. In fact, Dawson meticulously cared for everything he valued—his truck, his motorcycle, his tools, and, most importantly, the people he loved.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially when Makenzie was there to help by taking the fish off the hook for him. Dawson was kind, intelligent, and dependable—a helper his family could always count on. He was loved by everyone who knew him.
Like many boys, Dawson was active in sports, playing t-ball, soccer, baseball, and football, and later participating in weightlifting. He attended Trinity Christian Academy from K4 through 12th grade, graduating with the Class of 2017. As a member of the football team, he was part of their remarkable four consecutive state championship victories. He also competed in the state championship weightlifting competition during both his junior and senior years. While Dawson’s physical strength was impressive, it was his love for others that truly defined him.
He continued his education at Florida State College at Jacksonville, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public safety. In true Dawson fashion, he often joked, “C’s get degrees.”
In November 2020, Dawson met the love of his life, Makenzie, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. Neither of them had envisioned a future that included marriage or children but meeting each other changed everything. They were married on November 15, 2025, at a beautiful destination wedding in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Dawson was strong in his faith and his love for Jesus Christ. His family takes great solace knowing that he is in Heaven and that they will see him again one day.
To know Dawson was to love him. He had a way of making people laugh—sometimes at him, sometimes because of him—but always leaving them smiling. He loved fiercely, and to be loved by him was a true gift. Dawson was a devoted husband, a proud dog dad, and a deeply loving son, brother, uncle, and grandson.
Now that Dawson is gone, there is a profound void in our lives—one that can never be filled. He will forever be missed, and life will never be the same without him.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Dawson’s beloved dogs, Bambi and Nacho, donations may be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society.
In honor of Dawson’s passions, you are encouraged to wear Harley, camo, or Trinity attire.
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