Blonda Ray Dawson, 89, of Buckhannon, died April 12, 2024, surrounded by family and his wife of nearly 67 years. Hilda Mae Dawson, 82, also of Buckhannon, died October 1, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Blonda (b. June 30, 1934) was the son of the late Samuel Wires and Emma Florence Tenney Dawson. Hilda (b. December 2, 1941, Pickens, WV) was the daughter of the late Roy S. and Maude E. Howes Hardman. They married July 6, 1957, and shared 66 devoted years as faithful members of Sand Run Baptist Church.
Blonda, a U.S. Army veteran (Anchorage, Alaska), worked 28 years at Record Delta Newspaper as a linotype operator, served with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department after graduating from the WV State Police Academy in 1983, and later ran his own private investigations business. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cowboy action shooting, music, and singing; he was a member of the American Legion.
Hilda loved her family, dogs, and music. In the late 1960s–early 1970s, she recorded country records in Nashville and performed at the Mountain State Forest Festival, WV Strawberry Festival, and local radio/TV stations.
Preceded in death by infant daughter Cheryl Dawson; grandchildren Andrew Roth and Brandon Weese; and other family members. Blonda was also preceded by one daughter, two grandsons, one brother, and one sister. Hilda was preceded by seven brothers, one step-sister, and one step-brother.
Survivors include three children: Steven and Angela Dawson, Moorefield; Bruce and Kathy Dawson, Buckhannon; Marcella and Neil Roth, Buckhannon; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; Hilda’s brother Edward Hardman, Buckhannon; and her dog Angel.
A joint memorial service celebrating their lives, 67-year marriage, and faith will be held Saturday, April 18, at 2:00 p.m. at Sand Run Baptist Church, Pastor Greg Miller officiating. Special thanks to Mountain Hospice and St. Joseph’s Hospital staff.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements by Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel, Buckhannon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sand Run Baptist Church or Mountain Hospice.
