William Henry Dawson

William ("Bill") Henry Dawson passed away from natural causes at the age of 90 on November 11, 2025 on Veterans' Day in McLean, Virginia.

Bill Dawson was born on July 29, 1935 in the Panama Canal Zone to Charles Dawson and Francis Dawson (nee Butler). After attending Balboa High School in the Canal Zone, Bill left Panama to attend the Colorado School of Mines Engineering School located in Golden, CO. After he completed his freshman year there Bill decided to transfer to the U.S. Naval Academy where he graduated as a member of the class of 1958.

Shortly after graduating from the Naval Academy Bill married Constance ("Connie") Glassburn on June 7, 1958 in Annapolis. Bill and Connie had three sons - Robert, Patrick and Douglass in short order. Bill spent his next 29 years in the Navy primarily serving on various surface vessel assignments with increasing rank and responsibilities. The highlight of his Naval career was when he was the commanding officer and Captain of the USS Brewton, which was a fast frigate destroyer stationed in Pearl Harbor. After retiring from the Navy in 1987 Bill spent the next phase of his career working for several defense contractors including RCA (implementing AEGIS systems) and working with the Taiwanese Navy to help standardize their attack vessel operating procedures.

Throughout his Naval career, Bill and his family moved frequently and shared many adventures together as many military families do. Most of their time was spent on the East Coast including Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia and Newport, RI before moving to Pearl Harbor, Hl in the mid-70's. Despite his frequent travels Bill always found time to support his family whether it be academic or athletic activities pursued by his three sons. He maintained a good, quirky sense of humor, enjoyed reading mysteries and historical non-fiction, watching old classic movies, performing his own financial/investing research and playing his beloved piano. Bill was a great dad, a loving husband and a thoughtful/dedicated friend.

Bill is survived by his three sons, Bob Dawson (Mary Curran), Pat Dawson (Yvonne Scott) and Doug Dawson (Susan Foster). He is also survived by his five
grandchildren, Conor, Mary, Brandon, Alyssa and Sydney in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his wife Connie and his two brothers, Herb and Michael Dawson.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Captain Dawson. You stood your watch well.

Services will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. To share condolences with the family, or for more infomation please visit: