Ronald Dawbarn (b.9/7/34 d.8/17/16) was born in Warrington, England, son of Sydney and Nelle Dawbarn. At 16, he left England to attend Graceland college in Iowa. In 1959, he became a naturalized US citizen. In 1966, he and his family moved to Manchester, Tennessee.
He is survived by Joyce, his wife; his daughters, Dr. Linda Vandergriff (h. Glenn), Ms. Rhonda Shiffler, and Ms. Heather Dawbarn (h. Jake Robinson); 4 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and his siblings Ruth Harriet Stonham and John Dawbarn (w. Sandra). He was preceded in death by his son Ronald Albert Dawbarn.
Mr. Dawbarn earned a BS in Physics (UMKC ’63) and a MS in Engineering Physics (Univ. MO – Rolla ’65). He worked at the Arnold Engineering Development Center (32 yrs.) and in 2002 was recognized as an AEDC Fellow. He was known for his expertise in condensation phenomena (rocket plumes), cryogenics and vacuum technology, and IR sensors development / testing. His work spanned support for the Apollo missions through development and testing of space shuttle boosters and Star Wars satellite sensors. He published over 74 papers and conference presentations.
Elder Ronald Dawbarn was active in the Community of Christ (aka RLDS) throughout his life preaching, working at church camps and conferences, and writing theological and historical papers. He served as a pastor in the Nashville congregation and Manchester mission. In 2009, he along with his sister and brother published a compilation of their father’s sermons and mother’s articles called “Amen & Amen.” Then in 2015, he published his Autobiography “Those Forks in the Road.”
A man of many talents, his favorite hobbies were photography, woodworking, and music. He was a spell binding story teller; with delightful tales we will always remember. On his Facebook page more memories are shared.
The family will be receiving guests starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday August 21st at the Coffee County Funeral Chapel (786 McMinnville Hwy Manchester). The memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. with Terry Williams officiating. After the service, a reception potluck will be held at the Manchester Mission of the Community of Christ Church. The family is requesting donations in his name to the Manchester Tennessee Library for children’s scientific books or to the Community of Christ designated for the Foundry Hill Campground in lieu of flowers.
