Walter Robert Dawes, retired Lt. Colonel USAF and a resident of Patriots Colony, died Friday, December 26, 2008 after a brief illness. He was born in San Francisco to Fama Benson and Walter Lord Dawes on December 22, 1927 and grew up in nearby Mill Valley. In 1946, he began a 23-year career in the military, first with the Army Air Corps and then with the newly formed United States Air Force. Flying became a passion for him and he was witness to the transformation of propeller-driven aircraft to the modern jet age and the strategic bomber. Walter spent the next fifteen years in Strategic Air Command as an aircraft commander in a B-52 bomber, as well as Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, and Squadron Commander. It was during his assignment to the 26th Bomb Squadron at Altus Air Force Base that Walter met many wonderful people who would remain life-long friends. He then served two combat tours during the Vietnam War.
After his retirement from the USAF in 1969, the family moved to Ft. Worth, Texas and Walter transitioned to civilian life. He joined the State Commission for the Blind and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission where he helped persons with disabilities find meaningful employment through the Business Enterprise Program. He attained a Bachelors degree from the University of Omaha and a Masters from Texas Christian University. He was also able to serve on the faculty of Tarrant Co. Junior College.
In 1999, Walter and Marguerite "officially" retired to Williamsburg to enjoy the beauty and history of the area and the companionship of other military retirees.
He was a proud member of the Order of Daedalians, the 26th Bomb Squadron Association, MOAA, the Christopher Wren Association, and St. Bede Catholic Church. He was especially proud to serve as a tutor at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School.
Walter is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marguerite Paruolo and sons Stephen (Constance) and William (Barbara) and grandsons William and Warren. He also leaves his sister, Elizabeth Jensen, two nephews, and a niece. A twin brother, Warren predeceased him in 1946.
Memorial contributions may be made to Patriots Fund, 6000 Patriots Colony Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188-1396 or to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959,
Funeral Mass and interment at Arlington National Cemetery are planned for April 15, 2009.
After his retirement from the USAF in 1969, the family moved to Ft. Worth, Texas and Walter transitioned to civilian life. He joined the State Commission for the Blind and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission where he helped persons with disabilities find meaningful employment through the Business Enterprise Program. He attained a Bachelors degree from the University of Omaha and a Masters from Texas Christian University. He was also able to serve on the faculty of Tarrant Co. Junior College.
In 1999, Walter and Marguerite "officially" retired to Williamsburg to enjoy the beauty and history of the area and the companionship of other military retirees.
He was a proud member of the Order of Daedalians, the 26th Bomb Squadron Association, MOAA, the Christopher Wren Association, and St. Bede Catholic Church. He was especially proud to serve as a tutor at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School.
Walter is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marguerite Paruolo and sons Stephen (Constance) and William (Barbara) and grandsons William and Warren. He also leaves his sister, Elizabeth Jensen, two nephews, and a niece. A twin brother, Warren predeceased him in 1946.
Memorial contributions may be made to Patriots Fund, 6000 Patriots Colony Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188-1396 or to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959,
Funeral Mass and interment at Arlington National Cemetery are planned for April 15, 2009.
Walter Robert Dawes, retired Lt. Colonel USAF and a resident of Patriots Colony, died Friday, December 26, 2008 after a brief illness. He was born in San Francisco to Fama Benson and Walter Lord Dawes on December 22, 1927 and grew up in nearby Mill Valley. In 1946, he began a 23-year career in the military, first with the Army Air Corps and then with the newly formed United States Air Force. Flying became a passion for him and he was witness to the transformation of propeller-driven aircraft to the modern jet age and the strategic bomber. Walter spent the next fifteen years in Strategic Air Command as an aircraft commander in a B-52 bomber, as well as Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, and Squadron Commander. It was during his assignment to the 26th Bomb Squadron at Altus Air Force Base that Walter met many wonderful people who would remain life-long friends. He then served two combat tours during the Vietnam War.
After his retirement from the USAF in 1969, the family moved to Ft. Worth, Texas and Walter transitioned to civilian life. He joined the State Commission for the Blind and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission where he helped persons with disabilities find meaningful employment through the Business Enterprise Program. He attained a Bachelors degree from the University of Omaha and a Masters from Texas Christian University. He was also able to serve on the faculty of Tarrant Co. Junior College.
In 1999, Walter and Marguerite "officially" retired to Williamsburg to enjoy the beauty and history of the area and the companionship of other military retirees.
He was a proud member of the Order of Daedalians, the 26th Bomb Squadron Association, MOAA, the Christopher Wren Association, and St. Bede Catholic Church. He was especially proud to serve as a tutor at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School.
Walter is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marguerite Paruolo and sons Stephen (Constance) and William (Barbara) and grandsons William and Warren. He also leaves his sister, Elizabeth Jensen, two nephews, and a niece. A twin brother, Warren predeceased him in 1946.
Memorial contributions may be made to Patriots Fund, 6000 Patriots Colony Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188-1396 or to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959,
Funeral Mass and interment at Arlington National Cemetery are planned for April 15, 2009.
After his retirement from the USAF in 1969, the family moved to Ft. Worth, Texas and Walter transitioned to civilian life. He joined the State Commission for the Blind and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission where he helped persons with disabilities find meaningful employment through the Business Enterprise Program. He attained a Bachelors degree from the University of Omaha and a Masters from Texas Christian University. He was also able to serve on the faculty of Tarrant Co. Junior College.
In 1999, Walter and Marguerite "officially" retired to Williamsburg to enjoy the beauty and history of the area and the companionship of other military retirees.
He was a proud member of the Order of Daedalians, the 26th Bomb Squadron Association, MOAA, the Christopher Wren Association, and St. Bede Catholic Church. He was especially proud to serve as a tutor at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School.
Walter is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marguerite Paruolo and sons Stephen (Constance) and William (Barbara) and grandsons William and Warren. He also leaves his sister, Elizabeth Jensen, two nephews, and a niece. A twin brother, Warren predeceased him in 1946.
Memorial contributions may be made to Patriots Fund, 6000 Patriots Colony Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188-1396 or to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959,
Funeral Mass and interment at Arlington National Cemetery are planned for April 15, 2009.
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