John A. Dawson

Inducted: 2001

Born in poverty, John A. Dawson served in the U.S. Army during WWI and worked his way through Purdue University. He joined Ohio Bell Telephone Co., retiring as Chief Engineer in 1961. A loving husband and father of three daughters, John and his wife, Sarah Harvey Dawson, moved to Upper Arlington in 1928. He served his community steadfastly as a director of the UA Civic Association. He walked door to door raising money for the City's first swimming pool, was active in the first Boy Scout troop and organized the Upper Arlington chapter of the AARP.

He was loved and respected as an active senior citizen, a passionate veteran and patriot. He was a friend and everyday hero to children and adults in our community.