Dallas (Junior) W Brawley

Dallas William Brawley, Jr. was born in West Plains, MO on May 13, 1952 to Dallas, Sr and Beulah (Woolsey) Brawley. Junior departed his earthly home on January 17, 2024 in Springfield, MO after a short but valiant battle of cancer, at the age of 71 years, 8 months and 4 days. Junior was the oldest of seven children and by the age of 8 years old, he had mastered the art of cooking beans/cornbread with green onions for his siblings while his mom worked in the garden and dad worked the farm. From the time he could reach the gas pedals, he was driving the tractors and truck around the farm, hauling hay and caring for the animals. Junior was raised in the First Baptist Church and was baptized at the age of 11 at Alley Springs. Junior continued working the family farm and caring for his siblings throughout high school, as well as working at Koller's Grocery Store.

During his senior year, Junior began courting the love of his life, Marlene Keeling, and they were united in marriage on July 1, 1972 at Flatwoods Church. To this union three children were born, Kristen (on their 7th wedding anniversary), Angela, and Nathan.

Throughout his life, Junior has always been known as a hardworking man and was known by all as the constant, dependable, go-to fella. He was an amazing listener and always knew the exact piece of advice needed.

Junior's passion for always helping and caring for other people led to him joining the Summersville Fire Department for many years working his way to Captain, as well as trained to be a First Responder.  Junior embraced this responsibility with the utmost compassion and attentiveness.

Anyone that knew Junior knows he had an onery streak and was always ready to cut up and aggravate you about something. He never met a stranger and loved people watching. Some of the best advice was, "You better be ready because you don't know what tomorrow will bring." If you ever had the privilege of knowing him, you knew he was the best at telling long-winded stories. Junior loved family dinners and get togethers and getting to et; not eat, et. Junior was always up for a game of pitch, dominoes, or checkers. Junior loved blue grass music, Hee Haw Quartet, and Johnny Cash and would tap his foot while listening for hours. Junior always said he felt closest to God when he was in the woods hunting and enjoying the solitude of being in nature.

Junior's hobbies included hunting and fishing, camping, gardening, cutting wood, and putting up Christmas lights. He could often be found at Arts and Crafts festivals, farmer's markets or a bluegrass festival. He enjoyed visiting with anyone. Junior and Marlene would attend all the grandchildren's sporting and music events, as well as supporting other nieces and nephews at their activities.

Junior was proceeded in death by his loving parents, Dallas and Beulah; his father and mother in-law, Roger and Bessie Keeling; youngest brother, Ricky Brawley; brothers and sisters in-law, Ron Clark, JR (Rosemary) Keeling, Gary Keeling and Imogene Blake.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 51 years, Marlene; his children, Kristen & Jeremy Fenner of Gepp, AR; Angela & DJ Wade of West Plains, MO; and Nathan & Nicole Brawley of Summersville, MO. He is survived by the joy of his life, his 7 grandchildren; Trinity & Alexis Fenner; Dylan, Ethan & Logan Wade; Eli & Maverick Brawley.

He is also survived by his siblings, Jimmy (Helen) Brawley; Brenda (Charles) Wuertley; Linda (Lyle) Barnes of Summersville, MO; Cheryl Clark (Jerry) of Teresita, MO; Randy (Cindy) Brawley of Mtn. Grove, MO; Sister in-law, Anita Brawley of Summersville, MO; brother and sister in-laws, Gene Blake of Summersville, MO; Kathy Keeling; Kenney (Tammy) Keeling; Robin (Reese) Porter of Ink, MO as well as a host of special nieces and nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Junior was always giving and helping others throughout his life. Junior loved fiercely and was loved BIG by all of us. His final gift upon his passing was becoming a donor to Saving Sight with the opportunity to continue helping others. As we mourn his passing, we know that Junior has received his healing, and we will walk with him again in Heaven.