April 11, 1946 ~ January 30, 2015
Peacefully, surrounded by his family, John Wilson Dawson of McLean, Virginia died on January 30th, 2015. John is a native of Dallas, Texas, graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1964 and went on to University of Texas Arlington (UTA)for his degree in mathematics before getting his Master's from the Booth school at the University of Chicago. John is a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served in the Air Force as a radar technician. He returned to Texas after completing his Air Force tour to work for Mobil. At Mobil, John met and married Ann Dowdy, relocating to Connecticut and eventually Virginia. While living in Virginia, John started work at Fannie Mae in downtown D.C. Many years after Ann Dowdy passed away, John met and married Ann Jones inheriting 2 children, Duncan and Shannon.
John was an athlete who enjoyed tennis, golf, and was always up for a hike or bike ride. He ran in the NY marathon with his brother Don in 1981 and often participated in the Reston and Whiners triathlons.
John traveled extensively in this country and Europe, also making appearances in South Africa, Asia and Australia. He always researched the destination and provided all those that accompanied him with a lovely selection of restaurants and vineyards. Other staples of his trips including golfing, running, walking, and a constant willingness to learn the culture and try new things. He particularly enjoyed France and spoke the language well.
John was a great conversationalist, well read, always interesting and had a great sense of humor. He loved to cook and try new recipes. He was active in McLean Baptist Church for the past 20 years. He loved the many art and theater opportunities in the DC area, and was a loyal supporter of many - especially Wolftrap, Dunbarton Oaks and the Phillips Collection.
John is survived by his wife Ann Jones, children Shannon, Duncan & Duncan's wife Annie Jones. By his brother Don Dawson and his wife Cheryl of Fairview, NC and his brother Bill Dawson and wife Laura of Grand Prairie, TX. John is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
John's service will be this Saturday, February 7th at 2 pm. It will be held at McLean Baptist Church with a reception to follow. The address is 1367 Chain Bridge Road in McLean. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of John to The Children's Fund or a charity of your choice.
John was an athlete who enjoyed tennis, golf, and was always up for a hike or bike ride. He ran in the NY marathon with his brother Don in 1981 and often participated in the Reston and Whiners triathlons.
John traveled extensively in this country and Europe, also making appearances in South Africa, Asia and Australia. He always researched the destination and provided all those that accompanied him with a lovely selection of restaurants and vineyards. Other staples of his trips including golfing, running, walking, and a constant willingness to learn the culture and try new things. He particularly enjoyed France and spoke the language well.
John was a great conversationalist, well read, always interesting and had a great sense of humor. He loved to cook and try new recipes. He was active in McLean Baptist Church for the past 20 years. He loved the many art and theater opportunities in the DC area, and was a loyal supporter of many - especially Wolftrap, Dunbarton Oaks and the Phillips Collection.
John is survived by his wife Ann Jones, children Shannon, Duncan & Duncan's wife Annie Jones. By his brother Don Dawson and his wife Cheryl of Fairview, NC and his brother Bill Dawson and wife Laura of Grand Prairie, TX. John is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
John's service will be this Saturday, February 7th at 2 pm. It will be held at McLean Baptist Church with a reception to follow. The address is 1367 Chain Bridge Road in McLean. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of John to The Children's Fund or a charity of your choice.
Service
McLean Baptist Church1600 John Marshall Highway
Front Royal, VA 22630
February 7, 2015
2:00 PM
Ann and all of John’s family, I cannot believe that I have received the news of John’s death. I had a wonderful visit with him at our 50th class reunion just last October, 2014. He will be missed by so many. My sympathy to all. I will keep John’s memory as a special treasure.
I am truly sorry to learn of John’s death. It sounds as though he had a wonderful, rich life. I know he will be missed so much. I am grateful he was able to join us for the celebration of 50 years since our graduation from GPHS. May God give you all peace.
I have find memories of John and his family as I grew up only a few homes away in the same block in Grand Prairie. I remember the football games in his back yard, his lovely parents and especially how bright John was. He was always a kind and careing and quiet fellow and a reliable friend. We shared a hug and smile in October at our 50th High School reunion. A special childhood friend, rest in peace dear Friend.
John was a special person. I am diminished by his passing.
John will be missed by many people. He was one of my best friends in Junior high and at Grand Prairie High. We played in an ensemble together our senior year that was featured on the Band Spring Concert. I am so thankful I got to visit with John at the reunion in October. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
To the family and friends of John Dawson – My heart goes out to each of you in your sadness and loss. May God watch over you and keep you close to Him. May He comfort and love you in your time of sorrow and always. Sincerely, Linda Schuessler Harris