Vernon W. Dingman III

Dover - Vernon Woodworth Dingman III, 79, formerly of Haverhill, died Friday, March 14, 2014, at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Dover.He was born in Saginaw, Mich., Dec. 24, 1934, a son of Vernon W. and Rose (Williams) Dingman Jr.Vernon graduated from high school in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from Aug. 11, 1952 to Jan. 23, 1957. After being discharged from the Air Force, he married Catherine V. Griffin on Feb. 17, 1957. Vernon began serving with the Michigan Army National Guard Reserves, transferring to the U.S. Army Reserves and retiring as an E-9 command sergeant major, following nearly 31 years of service. After his time with the Air Force, he attended Michigan Tech and received a certificate in forestry land surveying. Vernon and Catherine moved from Laurian, Mich., to Hampstead in 1967 and later to Haverhill in 1986.He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Haverhill, UCC. Vernon was a member and past master of Grafton-Kane Lodge 46 of North Haverhill and had been active in Bektash Temple Shriners of Concord. Vernon was elected as a member of the New Hampshire General Court for nearly 10 years and was a former member of the N.H. State Library Board. He was past president of the Land Surveying Association for 12 years. Vernon was one of the early licensed New Hampshire surveyors in 1970 and began his own land surveying business in 1971. He also served on the North East Commission of the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping. He and his wife, Catherine, were active members of Klan Donald Scottish Heritage. Vernon was an officer of the Northern Scottish Rite and was active with the Highland Games in Lincoln.Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Catherine V. Dingman of Dover; three sons, Vernon W. Dingman IV and wife Tammy of Hampstead, Victor W. Dingman of Barrington, and Vincent W. Dingman and wife Michelle of Indianapolis, Ind.; six grandchildren, Noah, twins Travis and Tucker, Carleen, Emma, and Samantha; two brothers, Charles of St. of Orr, Mich., and Robert of Simpsonville, S.C.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins..

SERVICES: Calling hours will be Thursday, March 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville. A Masonic service will be held at 5:30 p.m.A funeral service will be on Friday, March 21, at 11 a.m. at The First Congregational Church of Haverhill, UCC, with Rev. David Norling officiating.Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the N.H. State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grafton-Kane Masonic Masonic Lodge 46, P.O. Box 294, North Haverhill, NH 03774.For more information, or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com.Ricker Funeral Hom e & Cremation Care of Woodsville is in charge of arrangements.