Reverend Eugene C Dawson

Reverend Eugene C. Dawson 80 of Newark passed away on Saturday, March 7th,2026, in Newark.

Gene was born on October 21, 1945, in Corning Ohio, a son of the late George G. and Violet M.  (Musick) Dawson.

Gene retired after 30 years from Rockwell International in Heath, Ohio, he also worked for one year for the New York Central Railroad. Gene was an EMT and served as Squad Chief for Somerset Fire Dept. He was instrumental in establishing and developing the emergency squad system in Perry County.

Gene was ordained in the Diocese of Columbus as a minister in the Catholic Church. Gene served his tenure of 37 plus year as a Deacon for the people of Holy Trinity and St. Joseph Parishes in Somerset Ohio and served   Saint Mary of the Assumption in Lancaster as a Deacon for one year.

Gene was nicknamed “Woodsman” by his wife Peggy, because of his love of working outside and beautifying the yard and woods.

Gene is survived by his wife of 61 ½ years, Margaret “Peggy” E. (Lunning) Dawson, whom he married on August 29, 1964; Three sons Jeffrey Allen (Anita) Dawson of Westerville, David Eugene (Christina) Dawson of Waverly, and Michael Todd (Tonya) Dawson of Newark; seven grandchildren, Sanda Dawson, Cassandra (Jason) Wood, Heather Dawson, Meranda (David) Cooper, Sierra (Adrian) Balser, Amber (Drew) Hiles, and Joseph Dawson; eleven great grandchildren, Landon Dawson Parks, Lexie Wood, Lillian and Leighton Henry, Alahna, Emery and Mila Cooper, Violet and Penny Balser, Arlo Annis and Jude Hiles. And lots of special nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents Gene was preceded in death by his sister Cheryl Ann Dunwoody and brother, Larry Musick.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon on Tuesday March 10TH 2026 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Somerset. The Burial will immediately follow The Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 A.M. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday at the Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity School 225 South Columbus St Somerset Ohio 43783.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Reverend Eugene C Dawson, please visit our floral store.