Johnny Paul Dawson

Johnny Paul Dawson was born Aug. 17, 1953, at Valley Park, to John Richard Dawson and Doris Jean (Shelton) Dawson. He passed away at his home in Mountain Grove, on April 18, 2026, at he age of 72 years, 8 months and 1 day. Johnny attended Mountain Grove High School in Mountain Grove. On Dec. 6, 1971, he married the love of his life, Diana Lynn Boykin. They have been together for a total of 56 years. Johnny worked at Brown Shoe Company in Mountain Grove and Cabool for many years. He also worked for a time at the Tobin Hamilton Company Inc., a manufacturer of athletic footwear, in Mansfield. As an avid outdoorsman, Johnny enjoyed fishing, camping and hunting. He especially treasured hunting for the highly prized Morel mushrooms. He also loved raising and tending to his chickens. And everyone knew Johnny craved Hershey’s candy bars. But what he truly adored was spending time with his family. He cherished playing with his grandchildren and being involved in other family activities, such playing a game of pool.
His parents; son, John Edward “Buck” Dawson; and brother, Richard Dawson, preceded him in death. Johnny is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diana L. Dawson; son, Rickey Dawson (Jessica), of Bendavis; daughter, Deana Helums (Jamie), of Norwood; daughter-in-law, Billie Dawson, of Mountain Grove,; grandchildren, Keith, Rayna, Corey, Rod, Gracie (Max), Tyler (Hunter), Kierra, Dustin, Preston (Morgan) and Weston; great-grandchildren, Hayley, Paisley, Braelynn, Xander, Maddox, Knox, Remi, Oakleigh, Blair and Xander; brother, Carl Dawson (Debbie), of Mountain Grove; sisters, Pat Naugle (Bill), of Mountain Grove; Myra Karges (Jordan), of Mountain Grove; and Julie Dawson, of Cabool; numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family.