Diana Laverne Dawson

Diana Laverne Dawson, 94, of Washington, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026. She was born October 24, 1931, in Leslie, Missouri, to Edward and Edith (Koppelmann) Beas.

Diana was united in marriage to Jack Dawson on April 4, 1951, in Washington, Missouri. She worked as a pharmacy technician at St. Francis Hospital for 25 years, later becoming part of St. John’s Mercy Hospital. Diana was a dedicated and hardworking woman who took great pride in her family and the life she shared with them.

Diana enjoyed bowling, fishing, reading, mushroom hunting, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren. She especially cherished her family and the many memories made together over the years.

Diana is survived by her daughter, Michelle “Mickey” Dawson of Washington; son, Jack Dawson of Washington; brother, Herbert (Linda) Beas of Union; sister, Sarah Pope (Jack) of Union; sister-in-law, Jeannie Dawson of Washington; brothers-in-law, Bill (Dianne) Dawson of New Franklin, Tennessee, and John (Molly) Dawson of Leslie; grandchildren; Tiffany (Craig) Jarvis, Courtenay Straatmann, Rhys (Kasey) Straatmann, Tierney Dell, Aaron (Valerie) Dawson, Joshua (Kimberly) Dawson, Danielle (Scotty) Dawson, and Nicholas (Mikayla) Oberndorfer; 20 great grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Dawson; son, Dan Dawson; great-grandson, Grayson Theil; brothers, Raymond (Edna) Beas and Oliver (Marilyn) Beas; and sister, Earlene (Don) Geidinghagen.

Diana will be lovingly remembered for her kind heart, strong work ethic, love of family, and the many years of memories she created with those she loved. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

An inurnment service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Midlawn Memorial Gardens in Union, Missouri.