Leona Dawson, 76 years, of Sarcoxie, Missouri was called to heaven on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 in Joplin, Missouri. Leona was born on June 17, 1936 in Clearwater, Kansas, daughter of the late Brown and Erma (Popp) Parker. On June 2, 1955 she was united in marriage to Richard Dawson. Leona has lived in Sarcoxie ever since. She was a leader in the local 4-H club and was a member of the organization for 60 years. She had been induced to the 4-H Hall of Fame. She enjoyed taking care of her milk goats and was a devoted mother and grandmother, living her life to the fullest and everyday making her family the most important thing in her life. Leona was of the Baptist Faith. Leona was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers; Donny and Dan Parker. Leona is survived by her husband Richard of fifty seven years. Four sons; Roger Dawson, Ron Dawson and wife Lynn, Robert Dawson and wife Sherie and Greg Dawson and wife Karen. Two daughters; Robyn Paradeis and husband Terry and Roxanne Willard and husband Harold. A brother; John Parker and three sisters; Jane Stanketis, Cydi Keiss and Kathy Hein. Fifteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren as well as a host of other family and friends.