John Ernest Dawson

John Ernest Dawson, 81, of Hagerstown, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Born in Hagerstown on November 9, 1940, he was the son of the late James "Hank" and Beulah "Boots" Dawson.

John was a 1958 graduate of Hagerstown High School.

He was a devoted member of St. Marks Lutheran Church for 60 years.

For 35 years he worked as an assembler for Mack Truck. After retirement, he worked in the Mack Truck gift shop for 6 years. John volunteered and was a member of the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum where he became locally known for his Train Whistle. He was also a bowler; he bowled with the Mack Truck league and the Sunday School league.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Penny Dawson, daughter, Cindy Klipp and son-in-law George of Waynesboro, sister, Sandy McGowan and husband Bill of Greencastle, brother, Michael Dawson and wife Rita of Waynesboro, sister-in-law, Linda Dawson of Hagerstown, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Dorothy West and brother, Leonard Dawson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Rest Haven Funeral Home with Rev. David Kaplan officiating, burial will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, December 27, 2021, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM for visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to St. Marks Lutheran Church, 601 Washington Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21740, or to Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Hurwitz and staff, Washington County Hospice, especially Angie, as well as friends and neighbors for their kindness and support.