Dick Dawson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Richard Dawson (Dick), 78 years old, of rural Sarcoxie, was called home by the Lord on November 24, 2015, due to a long illness.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 3 at 10:30 a.m.at Redwood Holiness Church west of Sarcoxie with the Reverend Kenneth Filsinger officiating. A private family burial will follow at a later date.

Dick was born in Sarcoxie, Missouri on July 19, 1937. He attended school at Round Prairie Country School. Dick was married to Leona Joyce Parker on June 2, 1955 in Sarcoxie.

Dick worked as a school bus driver for the Sarcoxie School District for many years. Many will also remember him from his full service gas station (Dawson Service Station) where he worked seven days a week to accommodate his loyal customers. He enjoyed helping others, playing dominoes, and after retiring in 2008 he found he enjoyed gardening. He enjoyed serving his community on the Chief Sarcoxie Days Committee, Jasper County Youth Fair board, and as a 4-H leader for Sarcoxie Chiefs 4-H. In 2012, Dick and Joyce were honored to be named in the 4-H Hall of Fame in Sedalia during the Missouri State Fair.

Dick is survived by four sons and two daughters. Ron Dawson of Sarcoxie, Robyn Paradeis (husband Terry) of Sarcoxie, Robert Dawson (wife Sheri) of Sarcoxie, Roxanne Willard (husband Harold) of Reeds, Roger Dawson of Sarcoxie, Greg Dawson (Kyaren Paulino) of Carthage, and good friends Helen Kisling and Linda West. He is survived by many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one brother George Dawson.

Dick is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce on August 2012. His mother, Margaret Plummer, sister- Clydene Farmer, sister- Sue Dawson, and father - Chester Dawson.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Sarcoxie Chiefs 4-H Club or Chief Sarcoxie Days Committee. The family of Richard Dawson wishes to thank the staff at Freeman Hospital and Sarcoxie Nursing Center for their excellence in caring.