Donald Emerson Dawson
November 18, 2015Share using:
Houghton: Donald Emerson Dawson, 90, Michigan Tech Professor Emeritus of Houghton, passed away on Wednesday morning, November 18, 2015.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 3, 1925, a son of the late Harvey and Angela Dawson. Following graduation form Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Donald earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Wayne State University. He later earned a Masters Degree in Mathematics from Penn State University, and his PHD in Engineering Mechanics from Penn State in 1958.
He worked for a while doing research at DuPont in Delaware, and for a brief time in Chicago for the Illinois Institute of Technology. He was hired in 1963 as a professor at Michigan Tech University in Math and Engineering Mechanics until his retirement in 1984. During a sabbatical in 1969, he and his family traveled to Houston, Texas where he spent time working for NASA on the Apollo Space Program.
He was the adviser to the Rocket Society at MTU in the late 60's and early 70's, and was also an associate director of the Keweenaw Research Center.
After retirement he enjoyed woodworking, and continued his fascination with the relation of math and art, investigating fractals and other mathematically derived art forms.
During World War II, Donald served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1947 as an aviator.
In 1952 he married Gladys Quinty, being married for 63 years.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys Dawson of Houghton, a son, Tim of Texas, a granddaughter, Sara, and a brother, Robert.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Omega House, 2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931; Little Brothers~Friends of the Elderly, 527 Hancock Street, Hancock, MI 49930; or to the charity of the donor's choice in the name of Donald Dawson.
The O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.