Candy Francis Dawson, 69, of Unionville, Iowa passed away on October 18, 2025 at her home surrounded by family. She was born on September 5, 1956 in Centerville, Iowa to Dale Wilbur and Shirley Francis Pettis Dawson. She grew up in Ottumwa, later moving to Moulton for her senior year. She graduated from Moulton-Udell Schools in 1974 and went on to attend the Iowa School of Beauty in Ottumwa, where her talent and dedication soon led her to teach others. In 1984 she opened The County Clipper in Moravia. There, walk-ins were always welcome and Candy helped people look beautiful on the outside while helping them feel better about themselves on the inside. She enjoyed her work and the people she met along the way – many of her clients became good friends. Candy had a natural gift for conversation and could find common ground with just about anyone who sat in her chair. She owned and operated her salon for over 20 years before selling it in 2006.
Never one to sit still for long, Candy continued to work part-time at Pioneer, the Blakesburg C Store, J’s One Stop, and Dollar General. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures – walking along creeks searching for arrowheads, tending her garden, planting flowers, crafting, camping and spending time outdoors. She also enjoyed going to the casinos and finding good bargains at rummage sales and thrift stores. Candy cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren, Shandy, Kennis, Willie, and Orvie, were the light of her life and brought her endless happiness. Even after retirement, Candy made sure to give all of her grandkids their first hair cut. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by two daughters, Taylor (Phillip) Brown of Moulton, Iowa; Teagan (Brandon) Padget of Bloomfield, Iowa; four grandchildren, Shandy Padget, Kennis Padget, Willie Brown, Orvie Brown; four siblings, Jennifer (David) Basinger of Unionville, Iowa, Timmy (Diane) Dawson of Lancaster, Missouri, Brad (Teri Cortesio) Dawson of Huntsville, Missouri, James (Missy) Dawson of Huntsville, Missouri; her dog, Johnny; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Candy’s wish was to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8th at Muddy Dog’s Event Center located at 110 E. Union St., Unionville, Iowa with a short ceremony at 1:00 p.m. with fellowship and refreshments following until 5:00 p.m. with her family present. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to her family.
