Francis Lee Dawson

  Francis Lee Cleatice Dawson, age 94, of Ewing, Missouri, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2015, in Country Aire retirement Estates in Lewistown, Missouri.

Born on March 26, 1921, at Steffenville, Missouri, Francis was the son of Everett Columbus and Lulu Stone Dawson.  Francis united in marriage with Pauline Darley on November 25, 1942, in Hannibal, Missouri.

Surviving are his wife of 72 years, Pauline Dawson, of Ewing, Missouri, two sons, Larry Lee Dawson and wife, Virgie Lee, of Steffenville, Missouri, Dennis James Dawson and wife, Kathy Lee of Ewing, Missouri, one granddaughter, Leann Jensen and husband Andrew of Grimes, Iowa, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roy, Ernest and Elton Dawson; and his sisters, Maudie Maye Voltmer, Roberta Bevill and Lucy Clay Hemmin.

Francis received his education at Steffenville, Missouri. He and Pauline resided most of their life in the Steffenville area where they were engaged in farming and raising cattle.  Francis was a member of the Tri County Buffalo Rangers, the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and a member of the Roping Club for ten years. He enjoyed working, running cattle and spending time with family and friends.

Funeral services were held April 27, 2015, in the Coder Funeral Chapel in LaBelle, Missouri with Reverend Charles Sharpe and Reverend Ken Jaworski as officiates for services.  Burial was in the LaBelle Cemetery. Music was provided by Erin Wright singing, “There Is A Fountain”. Casket bearers were Richard Porter, Bob Gottreu, Brownie Rothweiler, Sam Knocke, Terry Buswell and Tim Morgan. Honorary bearers were John Lesser, Bill Stauffer, Sam Schwieter, Roger Schwieter and Tom Luttrull.

Memorials may be made to the LaBelle Cemetery. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Coder Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 151, LaBelle, MO 63447. www.hudsonrimerfh.com