Dana Rene Casey

1962 - 2025

Dana Rene (Smith) Casey, 62, of Twentynine Palms entered eternal life April 6th, 2025, after a 20 year long battle with breast cancer and a beautiful and blessed life.
She is survived by her children, Samantha (Mark) Lane and Andrew (Kim) Casey, grandchildren Casey, Carson, Rylee, Brandon (Addison), Kolten, Antonia and Zoey and great-grandchild Eliza, of Las Vegas, Nevada, father David Smith, brother Mike (Patty) Smith, and in-laws Andy and Mary Casey, all of Twentynine Palms, and brother-in-law Chris (Kate) Casey, of Maine, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends she loved.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 30 years, Richard, mother Patricia Smith and sister-in-law Jean.
Dana was a fierce fighter and a loving soul who touched the lives of everyone around her. As the granddaughter of pioneers Bill and Thelma Smith and daughter to William "David" and Patricia Smith, Dana grew up in Twentynine Palms and attended Twentynine Palms High School, where she met her high-school sweetheart, the late Richard Casey, who went on to become a beloved coach and TPHS teacher for whom the gymnasium is now named in honor of.
She excelled in academics and athletics, including swimming, basketball, track and especially volleyball. She was athlete of the year three times at TPHS and set many school records. She achieved a full-ride scholarship to play volleyball for the USC Trojan team, where she served as captain and earned first team All-American for three years, as well as being a member of the national championship team in 1980 and 1981.
Dana and Richard wed in December 1984. They both earned teaching credentials from Point Loma Nazarene University in 1985 and accepted teaching and coaching positions in Twentynine Palms, where they raised their family. Dana and Richard instilled values of faith in Jesus, perseverance, generosity and kindness in their children, teaching them that love and support for family and friends is the foundation of a fulfilling life.
Much of Dana's teaching career was spent at Monument High School. She also coached the girls' volleyball team at TPHS for many years and was a mentor to many students and players.
Dana inspired many with her strength and faith in Jesus. She enjoyed traveling, scrapbooking and watching her children play sports, including Samantha's volleyball games, Andrew's football games and her grandson's baseball and basketball games.
Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends and finding small opportunities to be generous and honor the memory of her husband with $20 gifts on the 20th of every month. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and we look forward to our glorious reunion in heaven.
In honor of her legacy, we invite you to support the causes that were close to her heart: City of Hope or TPHS athletics.