Dover , NH – Vernon Woodworth Dingman, III, 79, formerly of Haverhill, NH, died Friday, March 14, 2014, at Wentworth Douglas Hospital, Dover, NH.

He was born in Saginaw, MI, December 24, 1934, a son of Vernon W. and Rose (Williams) Dingman, Jr.

Vernon graduated from high school in 1952. He enlisted in the US Air Force and served from August 11, 1952 to Jan. 23, 1957. After being discharged from the Air Force he married Catherine V. Griffin on February 17, 1957. Vernon began serving with the Michigan Army National Guard Reserves, transferring to the US Army Reserves and retiring as an E-9 Command Sergeant Major, following nearly 31 years of service. Following his time with the Air Force he attended Michigan Tech and received a certificate in Forestry Land Surveying. Vernon and Catherine moved from Laurian, MI to Hampstead, NH in 1967 and later to Haverhill in 1986.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Haverhill, UCC. Vernon was a member and Past Master of Grafton-Kane Lodge #46 of North Haverhill and had been active in Bektash Temple Shriners of Concord, NH. Vernon was elected as a member of the New Hampshire General Court for nearly 10 years, and was a former member of the NH State Library Board. He was past president of the Land Surveying Association for 12 years. Vernon was one of the early licensed New Hampshire Surveyors in 1970 and began his own land surveying business in 1971. He also served on the North East Commission of the American Congress of Surveying and mapping. He and his wife Catherine were active members of Clan Donald Scottish Heritage. Vernon was an officer of the Northern Scottish Rite and was active with the Highland Games in Lincoln, NH.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Catherine V. Dingman of Dover, NH; three sons, Vernon W. Dingman, IV and wife Tammy of Hampstead, NH, Victor W. Dingman of Barrington, NH, Vincent W. Dingman and wife Michelle of Indianapolis, IN; six grandchildren, Noah, twins Travis and Tucker, Carleen, Emma, and Samantha; two brothers, Charles of St. Orr, MI and Robert of Simpsonville, SC, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be Thursday, March 20 from 4 to 6 PM at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A Masonic Service will be held at 5:30 PM.

A funeral service will be on Friday, March 21, at 11 AM at The First Congregational Church of Haverhill, UCC, with Rev. David Norling officiating.

Burial will follow at 1:30 PM at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grafton-Kane Masonic Masonic Lodge # 46, PO Box 294, North Haverhill, NH 03774.