Merlyn Elbert Dawson, 81, a resident of Stuarts Draft, VA, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Augusta Health.

He was born January 8, 1942, a son of the late Elbert Thomas Dawson and Virginia (Koontz) Dawson.

He served his country faithfully during the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2216, and the American Legion in Spotsylvania.

Mr. Dawson was a member of White Hill Church of the Brethren. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Dawson; sister, Christine Edwards; brothers, David and Jimmy Dawson.

Surviving are his loving wife of 61 years, Sherry Lee Dawson; daughter, Angela Lipscomb and her husband Jimmy; grandchildren, Thomas Marshall and his fiancé Amystic Wilson, Meghan Marshall, Ryan Marshall and his girlfriend Olivia Hahn, Jacob Lipscomb, Sara Lipscomb, Jamie Lipscomb and wife Samantha, Jeremy Lipscomb, and Josh Lipscomb; 5 great-grandsons; 6 great-granddaughters; brothers, Freddie Dawson, Jody Dawson and his wife Jean; and sister, Sheila Rankin.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM Monday September 25, 2023 at White Hill Church of the Brethren. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Dave Chappell. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.