Kenneth J. Dawson

Kenneth J. Dawson, 74, Sinking Valley, Altoona, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at UPMC-Altoona, following a brief illness.

He was born in Philipsburg, on February 16, 1948, a son of the late Thomas G. and Mildred H. (Waite) Dawson, Sr. On September 2, 1967, married Marsha D. Spangle in Tyrone.

Surviving are his wife, Marsha; four children: Wendy Ehredt (Keith) of Roaring Spring, Barry Dawson (Kim) of Sinking Valley. Betsey Howard (John) of Altoona and John Dawson (Charity) of Greenwood; grandchildren: Kiersten Dawson, Lynae Fisher, Breanna Dawson, Jordan Dawson, Lynette, Kenny Fisher, Coby Dawson and twin sister, Caitlin Dawson; step grandchildren: Jordyn, Christian and Joshua; great grandchildren: Brian and Hadlee; and a sister, Sondra Mater.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas “Tom” Dawson, Jr.

Kenneth was a 1966 graduate of Tyrone High School. He retired from ConRail in 1999 as a car inspector. He enjoyed fishing and in his early years, enjoyed camping.

Ken loved spending time with his wife of 55 years, going for long drives and finding new places they'd never seen.  Ken also loved doing things for his family-teaching his children and was always ready to help with projects at a moment's notice with all four of his children.  He often found creative solutions to repair things instead of buying new. Ken had a very kind heart and loved being a grandfather and could often be found making or building things for the grandkids to enjoy.  He loved black coffee, milk on pie and cake (which he taught his grandchildren, and they would do this whether they were at home or at a restaurant, much to the grandkids' mothers' dismay), and he also loved peanut butter anything. Ken loved his wife's baking and was very spoiled by it, to the point that her baking was all he preferred.  He had great tips and tricks for growing a garden, and had decades long battles with squirrels eating birdseed out of the bird feeders, including greasing poles and designing squirrel-proof contraptions.  Ken overcame so many things in his life, including being indirectly struck by lightning in a garage, and getting hit on his motorcycle as a young man.  He was a great person to engage in conversation and had lots of stories to share.  His pet peeves were flip flops and dirty car interiors:)  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but they take comfort in knowing he is rejoicing in heaven with his Savior and reuniting with beloved family and friends.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 pm and 5 to 7 pm on Monday, December 19, 2022 at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home, Inc., 719 N 4^th Avenue, Altoona, where a funeral service will be held at 7 pm with Pastor Stewart McClelland officiating. Interment will be made at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Altoona.