Retired Businessman Lloyd F. “Junior” Dawson, Jr., 89, died Friday afternoon, June 22, 2018, at Two Timbers Assisted Living in Highland.

Junior, as he was known to family and friends, was born June 24, 1928, at St. Joseph, MO, one of three children born to the late Lloyd Sr. and Margaret McLaren Dawson.  Junior was a lifelong Highland area resident, dedicated to the Highland Community.  He grew up near Sparks and graduated from Sparks High School, prior to attending Highland Community College.  He worked a few years for the US Army Corps of Engineers before serving with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  He served with the 40th Infantry Division from 1950 until discharged in 1952, at the rank of sergeant.  Junior returned from the service and worked for Dawe’s Garage. He started Dawson Automotive in 1958 and operated a towing service.  He also built and operated the bowling alley in Highland for several years before retiring.

Mr. Dawson spent countless hours over the last 40 years volunteering at the Highland and Iola Cemetery.  He was instrumental in installing the Veteran’s Memorial, the flag poles and the directory. Junior was a long time dedicated member of Smithton Lodge #1, AF&AM of Highland and served as Past Master. He was a member of White Cloud Christian Church; Doniphan County Historical Society; White Cloud Historical Society; VFW; Dillion Bales American Legion Post in Highland; and PBSS Catfish Club. He enjoyed woodworking and making stained glass and pottery. 

He married Betty J. Holden In Hiawatha, KS March 8, 1950.  They had one son, Randy Lee. Betty passed March 15, 1995. He later married Hallie Simpson Taylor December 26, 1996, at the White Cloud Community Church. She survives at Two Timbers.

Also surviving are a sister Jo Anne Bryan; children Alisa Koch, Lorie Hanlon (Dennis), Nanette Reid (Willie), nephews Terry Gibson (Doris), and Chris Gibson (Trisha); Dale Bryan, four grandchildren, Edward Koch, Keith Conklin, Megan Gomez (Daniel) and Jaclyn Reid, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, son Randy Dawson; sister Marjorie “Jean” Gibson and husband Bill, Brother-in-law Clyde Bryan and nephew Larry Bryan.

A Celebration of Junior’s life will be held Saturday, August 11th from 11 to 1 at the Highland Community Center,

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Highland or Iola Cemetery, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035, who is assisting the family with arrangements   www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com