Bruce Alan Dawson

Bruce Alan Dawson, 81, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 3:51 a.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at his home. 

He was born July 26, 1943, in Cloud County, Kansas, to James Dawson and Grace McIntyre Dawson.  On September 10, 1966, he was married at Cabool, Missouri, to Shirley Ward.  Mr. Dawson was a veteran, having served with the United States Marines from 1961 – 1965.  He then joined the Missouri Highway Patrol.  After moving to Alaska, he joined the Alaska State Troopers and then worked on the Alaska Pipeline.  He returned to Missouri and served as a Sheriff Deputy in Howell County and finished his career as a security guard at DRS.  Mr. Dawson loved his family, the outdoors, his animals and his pets.  He never met a stranger.  He was an accomplished gun smith and stock maker.  He enjoyed restoring antique John Deere 2-cylinder tractors, history and was an avid reader.  Mr. Dawson was a member of the Marine Corps League and was a founding member of the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association.  He was a Christian. 

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Dawson; three children, Deanna Gamble, James Dawson and wife, Cassie and David Dawson and wife, Janene; six grandchildren, Laura, Cole, Nathan, Emily and Blake Dawson and Audrey Gamble; and two nieces, Beth and Pam Dawson. 

His parents, one brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Emily Dawson, one son-in-law, Greg Gamble, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Warren and Lyda Ward and one brother-in-law, Gaylord Ward, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.