Walter Harcourt Dawson

Walter Harcourt Dawson, 90, husband of Charlotte Dawson and a resident of Cheriton, VA, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at his residence. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 14, 1920. He was the son of the late Henry P. and Annie Woods Dawson. Mr. Dawson graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and then attended St. Christopher's School in Richmond, VA. In 1942, Walter enlisted in the U. S. Army. He ended his last year of service as a special investigator out of the Adjutant General's Office in Manila and tracked down Philippine collaborators with the Japanese and documented Japanese war crimes. He was employed in the Security Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory with the Atomic Energy Commission for 33 years, retiring at age 57. Walter and his wife Charlotte moved to Cheriton, Virginia in 1977. He joined the Loyal Order of the Moose 35 years ago in Ronkonkoma, NY and upon moving to the Eastern Shore became a dedicated member of Exmore Moose Lodge #683, earning the Pilgrim Degree in 1999. He will be remembered for his many years of community service and his tireless fundraising efforts for March-of-Dimes and Relay for Life. Walter was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, joining 35 years ago in Westhampton Beach, NY. He is survived by his wife Charlotte; daughters, Annie Appleman, Frances Dawson, Melanie Dawson, Margaret LoBasso, and Aleta Blanchard; sons, Walter Dawson Jr. and George Dawson; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. To honor Walter's request, there will be no services. Memorial contributions may be made to Robert L. Parker, Jr. Scholarship Fund, c/o Exmore Moose Lodge #683, Attn: Arlene Frisch, P.O. Box 1227, Exmore, VA 23350. Walter says that he wants to be remembered as "a heck of a nice guy." Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home, Exmore.