Dennis Alan Rawson, 81, of Mount Vernon passed away on Sunday afternoon, November 17, 2024 at the Ohio Eastern Star Home in Mount Vernon. Den aka Denny was born April 27, 1943, to William Darrell and Dorothy Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Rawson in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Tallmadge High School in 1961and graduated from Kent State University in 1965 with a B.S. in Education and from Cleveland State University in 1968 with a M.S. in Urban Studies and Planning. He married Roberta “Bobbie” Hammond on August 17, 1968.
He taught Social Studies at Brooklyn Jr. High School from 1965-1966 and then taught at West Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio from 1966-1995, where he became head of the Social Studies Department in 1979 until his retirement. He was also the creator of and director of International Studies from 1989 until 1995. He was also a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar, prom advisor, helped the drama director with several plays, chaperoned many proms and dances, and helped organize graduations. He was also the Cleveland Teachers Union Building Representative for 8 years.
He and his wife moved to Apple Valley in 1997 and almost immediately became involved in volunteer activities including Apple Valley Singers, AVPOA Board of Directors for six years, Sanctuary Community Action as a Board Member and the President of the Board for over 11 years, AV Long-Range Planning Task Force, and Brown Township Board of Zoning Appeals. He also served as the Brown Twp. Representative to the Regional Planning Commission for several years. In addition, he was a life member of Ohio Retired Teachers Association and the Knox County Retired Teachers Association.
He was a former member of Zion Lutheran Church (Jelloway) where he served in many capacities and is currently a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, where he served on the Diaconate, volunteered at the Hot Meals ministry, sang in the choir, served on the Call Committee, and helped plan the Peace Village Day Camp. He also sang in the Knox County Christmas Cantata for several years.
He was a man of great compassion, generosity, gentleness, an ear for listening, and wicked sense of humor. He could make people laugh in almost any situation. If not, he always had a shoulder to lend to cry on. He never knew a stranger and was a punster through and through.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Roberta, a brother, Gary, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his brothers, Stephen (Sharon) Rawson of Liberty Hill, TX and Jeffrey (Christine) Rawson of Elyria, Ohio. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at 12 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 200 North Main St., Mount Vernon, with Rev. Dr. Jay Marshall Groat officiating. Dennis will be laid to rest beside his wife in Mound View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hot Meals Program, c/o First Congregational United Church of Christ, 200 North Main St., Mount Vernon, Ohi 43050
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Homes are honored to serve the family of Dennis Alan Rawson.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com