Bruce Alan Dawson
A Celebration of Life service for Bruce Alan Dawson, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2024, in the Walnut Room at the West Plains Civic Center.
Mr. Dawson 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.
Darrin Reed
November 22, 2024 @ 5:50 pm
Bruce was a great man. I enjoyed working with him at the sheriffs department in the 80s. I learned a lot from him. So sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for his lovely wife and family
Stanley Taylor
November 22, 2024 @ 6:40 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you we love you all if I can do anything please reach out thank you
Amber Redburn
November 23, 2024 @ 9:39 am
To the entire Dawson Families,
Our Deepest Sympathy to each of you on the passing of Bruce. We will be keeping all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. May God provide encouragement, strength, comfort, and peace to each of you at this time. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
Mike and Diana Pace
November 23, 2024 @ 2:06 pm
We are so sorry to hear of Bruce passing. Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and the family.
Stanley Taylor
November 23, 2024 @ 3:19 pm
Shirley and family I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Bruce I really appreciate it bruise he was a great man he provided for his family well he got you kids educated I know you kids had to work but he was instrumental in leading you through doing all things he does my thoughts and prayers are with you all if there’s anything I can do please advise we love you all be talking to you bye now
Joe Sanders
November 27, 2024 @ 2:35 am
Bruce ‘s Family
Bruce was a great guy really enjoyed his stories and his passion for his cattle and his great hay making abilities and I still have one of his John Deere tractors. Not the same at work when he left
With my sympathies Joe & Tracie Sanders
R.Jack Garrett
November 27, 2024 @ 5:51 pm
Bruce was a rookie trooper when I was a rookie prosecutor. Our enforcement adventures are better remembered than publicly told. He was brave, tough, and enjoyed laughing at life’s strange turns. I have a rifle he made for me 57 years ago with which he and I successfully hunted on Caney Mountain. A true friend. R.Jack Garrett
Jerry Beach
December 17, 2024 @ 10:38 am
So sorry to hear this, Bruce was a fine fellow and very talented he will be missed by all who new him. Prayers for all the family
Roxanne West-Johnson
December 21, 2024 @ 10:40 am
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Shirley and family. I will always remember Bruce and the time we got to spend with you. My heart goes out to you and your family. He will always be in your heart. Lots of love and prayers.
Annie West-Johnson
December 21, 2024 @ 3:33 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Lots of love and prayers to you and your family.