Bruce Alan Dawson, 81

A celebration of life service for Bruce Alan Dawson, 81, of West Plains, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in the Walnut Room at the West Plains Civic Center in West Plains.

Mr. Dawson died at 3:51 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at his home. 

He was born July 26, 1943, in Cloud County, Kansas, to James Dawson and Grace McIntyre Dawson. On Sept. 10, 1966, he was married at Cabool, to Shirley Ward. 

Mr. Dawson was a veteran who served with the United States Marines from 1961 to 1965. He then joined the Missouri Highway Patrol. After moving to Alaska, he joined the Alaska State Troopers and worked on the Alaska Pipeline. He later returned to Missouri and served as a sheriff's 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 gunsmith and stockmaker. He enjoyed restoring antique John Deere 2-cylinder tractors, studying 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. 

He was preceded in death by 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.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com.