Roy Lee Dawson

Roy Lee Dawson, 92, a lifelong Nevada area farmer, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada.

Roy was born Nov. 29, 1924, at home in the Rinehart area to Luther Wade and Stella Mabel (Marye) Dawson. He grew up in the Metz area and graduated from Metz High School in 1942. He married Bettie Jean Streich of Nevada on Nov. 29, 1947. They were married for 64 years until the time of her death in February 2012.

Roy was a lifelong member of Rinehart Christian Church and attended faithfully. He spent his entire life in the Metz area and was a successful farmer. He introduced the first herd of Limousin cattle to the area and sold calves to 4-H members. Some of his many awards included Outstanding Young Farmer in 1960 from the Nevada Junior Chamber of Commerce, Balanced Farming District Award Winner in 1965, University of Missouri Curators Award in 1966 for leadership in the Extension Program, the 4-H Gold Clover Award recognizing 10 years of leadership in 1972, a Top Farmers of America award for distinguished service, and a Nevada Lions Club Farmer of the Month honor.

He also worked at area sale barns, served as horsemanship project leader for the Rinehart 4-H Club and for many years assisted the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department as an honorary volunteer deputy at various county events.

Friends will remember Roy for his love for all of his animals, the Kansas City Royals, playing cards and bowling with friends, and for the love and respect for his land that he shared with his family.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Bettie; a brother, Francis Dawson; three sisters, Thelma Wade, Hazel Dawson and Ruth Maness; and last year, by his faithful canine companion, Buddy. He is survived by two daughters, Vicky Albright and her husband Terry, of Kansas City, Mo., and Patty Hough and her husband Mike, of Peculiar, Mo.; five grandchildren, Anne Albright, Tara Boyles, Brandy Teubner, Jeanne Derr and Cale Swarnes; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Ricky Walles officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada. The family will receive friends from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in his memory, to the Vernon County 4-H Alumni, Moore-Few Care Center, Nevada, or Rinehart Christian Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.