Dana Bradford Kenyon

KENYON Dana Bradford Kenyon, 68, went home to be with the Lord November 7, 2002, after a determined struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. Dana was born June 30, 1934 in Norfolk, VA, and moved to Florida with his family while still a young child. He was graduated from Robert E. Lee High School where he was president of his senior class, captain of the track team, a letterman on the football team and was named outstanding graduate. He next enrolled at the University of Florida and, while there, was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Army R.O.T.C., and Sigma Delta Chi Journalism fraternity. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the infantry of the Army Reserve. He was immediately called for active duty for a two-year tour and was posted to the training command at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. On his discharge, he stayed in the active Army Reserve for an additional 6 years and was promoted to Captain of Infantry during that time. In 1960 he began a career in the general construction business, learning at his fathers side. He later founded the Dana B. Kenyon Construction Company and was privileged to be selected for such clients as the St. Joe Company, N.G. Wade Investment Company, CSX, Winn Dixie and PGA among others. Dana retired form the business in 1997 and among other activities enjoyed traveling abroad. On a recent trip to France, he fulfilled a boyhood dream and walked the beaches of Normandy. Dana was an avid reader of biographies and historical novels and was a knowledgable WWII scholar. Dana enjoyed working with Little League, acting with Orange Park Community Theater and being active in the Meninak Club. He was a dedicated Christian and a member of the Mandarin Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder, Trustee and Chairman of the Building Committee. His family was his pride and the source of his greatest joy. He attended numerous recitals and athletic activities of his children and grandchildren and could always be found beaming in the first row. He is predeceased by his parents, Lucille Perry Kenyon and Earle Charles Kenyon. He leaves behind his beautiful wife of 46 years, Ann Manry Kenyon, who was also his high school sweetheart. He also leaves a daughter, Dawn Kenyon (Lindsay) Sims; sons, Matthew Earle (Rita) Kenyon, Andrew Manry (Rachel) Kenyon; grandchildren, Marisa Kenyon, Dana Kenyon, Matthew Kenyon, Sarah Sims, Emma Sims, Stewart Sims, Cameron Kenyon, Andrew Kenyon, and little Ellie Kenyon. He is also survived by his sister, Claire Kenyon (Jerry) Byrnes; brothers, Jerome G. (Ann) Kenyon; Leslie J. Kenyon and thirteen loving nieces and nephews. Dana also leaves behind his dear sister-in-law, Barbara Manry (Larry) Loesch and brother-in-law, Daniel S. Manry, Jr. A visitation will be held Sunday, November 10, 2002 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the east campus of Mandarin Presbyterian Church. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2002 in the church sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mandarin Presbyterian Church Building Fund or the charity of your choice. While Dana left an indelible mark in the community, it is his commitment to his family and friends that is his legacy. Arrangements under the direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME in Mandarin. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com