Ronald Lee Dawson born on September 8, 1947 in Maryville, MO was the youngest son of Douglas and Rosalie (Busby) Dawson. Ron died suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday morning, September 18, 2016. He grew up on the family farm and was active in Future Farmers of America while attending Maryville High School, where he graduated in 1965. Ron graduated from Northwest Missouri State College in 1969 with a degree in Agriculture. He was drafted in October 1969 and served his country in Fairbanks, Alaska until discharge in 1971. Ron married Barbara Alcott in August 1971 and they moved to Kansas City where he worked at Valspar Paints until they moved to Columbia, Mo. Ron entered graduate school where he studied agricultural economics. Beginning in 1975, he worked for MFA Grain until he began work for Simonds-Shields-Theis Grain Company from 1981 until 2003. In 1975, he and Barbara moved to Independence, Mo where they lived and raised their two sons, Douglas Alcott and Christopher "Kit" Allen Dawson. He welcomed into his heart Kristine Schowch when she and Doug married in July 2000 and became "Pops" to his grandsons Ahren Henry and Evan Garrett. He also welcomed into his heart April Diaz, Kit's partner and their dog, Tika. He loved his family and was very proud of them. Ron is survived by his wife, Barbara; his sons, Douglas and family of Madison, WI and Kit and partner of Kansas City, Mo. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Raylee Dawson, Melbourne, Australia and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Martha Alcott and Steve Nilan of Sacramento, Ca. He leaves also five nieces and nephews and five great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held November 19, 2016 at 2 PM at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Independence, Mo. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael's Episcopal Church or Harvesters Community Food Network. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600. Speaks Suburban Funeral Home, 18020 E 39th St, Independence, MO 64051, 816-373-3600