Dana Thomas Dearing

Dana Thomas Dearing, son of Colonel Hugh H. Dearing and Theresa Marie Egnor Dearing, was born on Wednesday, October 30, 1946, in Orlando, Florida. He attended Concord Park Elementary, Memorial Junior High and Edgewater High School, graduating in 1964. He went on to earn his Associate of Arts Degree at Orlando Junior College and then to attend the College of Engineering at the University of Florida. During those years Dana was a member of the College Park Baptist Church (now known as the Church On The Drive), where he earned the distinction as a Royal Ambassador and was baptized by the Reverend Fayette Hall in 1965.

After completing his college years, Dana began his career with Cameron and Barkley Corporation, a distributor of industrial and electrical products. It was probably during these first five years that he truly honed his skills as a salesman. Everyone who knew him said he fit that age old description of someone who could sell ice to the Eskimos. Whether it was selling industrial equipment or leisure apparel to the big box stores, he utilized his instinctive talents to effectively 'close the deal.' Congenial by nature, his gift of gab and 'down home affability and humor' assisted him in making fast friends and were key to his forty-year career success. Dana loved life and found wonder in the simplest of experiences. He was an expert in convincing others to join him in his passionate pursuit of life's joy and love of the Lord.

For the past three decades, Dana lived in Ocala, where he was an active member of the Living Waters Church (Church of God affiliation). He was an Usher and a member of the Security Team there. His minister, Pastor John Childers, praised him for attending the many church functions and witnessing to others about the Lord. It was not uncommon to see him drive to the church with a car full of guests he brought for fellowship and to share messages of faith and the Love of God. Often, he would be called by members of his church asking him to repair plumbing or electrical problems in their homes. Following his retirement, the church leaders asked Dana to serve at the church as a property overseer and general maintenance employee. Because the Church played such an important role in his life, he simply couldn't resist the opportunity to comply. Dana leaves two children: His son, Jason, is a Rapid Resolution Specialist with St. Vincent de Paul, serving at risk military veterans; his daughter, Amanda, is a Cybersecurity Analyst with Loricca, Inc., a Managed Cybersecurity Services Corporation.

Dana quietly departed this life on Friday, August 9, 2025, at his home in Ocala. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two of his brothers: Hugh H. Dearing II, and Richard Milton Dearing. He is survived by his son Jason (wife, Melody) Dearing of Brooksville, FL; and his daughter, Amanda Dearing of Gainesville, FL. His memory will forever be cherished by his children and his close remaining family, including: brother Roger Dearing (wife, Candace) Bradenton, FL; sisters-in-law: Frances Cook Dearing, Sarasota, FL; Laura Dearing Canton, GA; nieces: Teri Dearing England, Charleston, SC; Lisa Dearing Balle, Bombay Auckland, NZ; Jamie Dearing, Sarasota, FL; Kelly Dearing Stephens, Canton, GA; nephew: Brennan Dearing, Sarasota, FL; and a host of devoted cousins, friends and former colleagues.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 23rd with a viewing at 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 1:30 PM located at the Church On The Drive, 1914 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL, 32804. Afterward there will be a procession to Glen Haven Memorial Park, 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, FL. 32789, for a brief graveside committal service.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.