Eugenia Tyner-Dawson

Eugenia Tyner-Dawson, of Meeker, Oklahoma, passed from this life on October 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City at the age of 65. She was born on August 3, 1960, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Eugene Lewis Tyner and Alice Agnes (Gullian) Tyner.

Eugenia grew up in Cushing, Oklahoma, and graduated with the Class of 1978 from Cushing High School. A proud member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Eugenia dedicated her life and career to service—both to her tribe and to Native people across the country.

She began her work serving the Sac and Fox Nation in numerous roles, including deputy clerk, reserve police officer, and in various tribal programs. She later extended her service on a national level. With a distinguished career in the United States Federal Government, she served as Senior Policy Advisor for the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs and as Executive Director of the Department of Justice Program. She also held key leadership roles as Acting Director for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Indian Health Service. Her professional life was marked by her dedication, wisdom, and deep commitment to her people.

Eugenia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene Rhea Dawson; and her sister, Marjorie Tyner.

She leaves behind her daughter, Margaret Reeser; her brother, Robert Tyner; her cherished grandchildren, Calib, Mayraya, Icle Brewer, Dalton, Daxton, Madelon, Logan, and Morgan; her beloved great-grandchildren, Jamie Rhea and Boston; along with a host of extended family and friends who will deeply miss her.