Lana J. Dinehart

1951 - 2025

Lana J. Dinehart, 73, Pacific, passed away Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at St. Claire Hospital in Fenton, of cardiac arrest after a long illness.

Lana was born in Gasconade, Missouri, on Feb. 22, 1951, and baptized at Assumption Catholic Church in Morrison, Missouri, a daughter of the late Geneva (Blackwell) and Terry Kemper. She was the wife of 10 years to Duane Dinehart. They were married in the Saint George Catholic Church, Hermann, on May 24, 1974. Duane passed away on Jan. 12, 2002.

For more than 40 years, Lana was a resident of Hermann. She graduated Saint George Catholic High School in 1969. Lana graduated from the University of Missouri, Mizzou in 1973, where she was the first woman to receive college credit for the R.O.T.C. program. She was an active member of the Saint George Catholic Church and was a previous sponsor of the Catholic Youth Organization. Lana was a member of the Saint George Choir for five years and later served on the Parish Council.

Lana served her country in the United States Marine Corps as a Lieutenant under Major General Fred Haynes during the Vietnam War. During her civilian working years, she was employed at Emerson Electric and McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, now Boeing. She worked on many flight simulator projects before retiring after 30 years.

Lana spent her later years as a member and elder of the Pacific Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the St. Louis Service Women's post 404 of the American Legion. Lana enjoyed traveling with her daughter's family, Mizzou footballs games, and reading science fiction novels.

Lana is survived by her church family of friends, her O'Hara family, and one daughter, Sara Shields and husband Tad; and two grandchildren, Ian and Alexis Shields all of St. Peters.

Private visitation was held from 11 a.m.-noon, Jan. 21, at Newcomer Funeral Home St. Peters, followed by a memorial service at 12:30 p.m. with Pastor Bill Vincent officiating. A private military burial was held at 2 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Missouri Humane Society or the Marine Corps Toys for Tots.