William Duane Dawson, Bill and "Big D", 81 of La Plata, MD, died November 10, 2012 at home. Born October 31, 1931, in Caldwell, Kansas, he was the son of the late Minnie M. Mock Dawson and William A. Dawson.

Mr. Dawson was a Veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955. Mr. Dawson worked for the government as a Procurement Officer at Bolling AF Base, Andrews AF Base and the U.S. Army in Bremerhaven, Germany, retiring in 1985 with 37 years of service.

He was a member of the Harry White Wilmer American Legion Post 82 in La Plata, MD and NARFE Chapter 26, Indian Head, MD. He was active with the Waldorf Wildcats Football Program, serving on the Board of Directors and the Athletic Director in the 1990's.

He most enjoyed his family, traveling, football and the Washington Redskins. Bill played Santa Claus for children in Germany and in Maryland, at his granddaughters' school, the mall and especially at the Festival of Trees in Waldorf. He was a member of the Hughesville Baptist Church.

Aside from his parents, Bill is predeceased by his sisters, Chrystal Miller, Wilma Abell, and Jean Auber; his nephew, John W. Auber; and his niece, Diane Olson.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Arlene (Kitty) Dawson; his daughter, Rebecca (Becky) Dawson Ammar; his granddaughters, Jasmine Ammar and Marie Ammar; his nieces Pamela Simonel and Mary Jane Auber, his brother-in-laws, Douglas Hersch (Carol), Lester Hersch; his sister-in-laws, Alice Freas, Dorothy Hersch, Hazel Zolly (Jack), and Mary Hersch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation on Thursday, November 15, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hughesville Baptist Church, 8505 Leonardtown Road, Hughesville, MD 20637. American Legion Prayers will start at 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be at the church on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Kevin Cullins will officiate. Interment will follow to Trinity Memorial Gardens, 3221 Mattawoman-Beantown Road, Waldorf, MD 20601.

All arrangements are being handled by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Hospice of Charles County, P.O. Box 1703, La Plata, MD 20646.