Funeral services for Dana Allen Danielsen, 56, will be held at Radius-Centerville Church in Gilbert, on Wednesday, June 26, at 11:00 am with Ryan Molony, Lead Pastor, officiating. A private burial will take place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Clemson Road, Columbia, SC, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 12 noon. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Barr- Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic Batesburg-Leesville Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Bucky King, Mike Lloyd, Kevin Gibb, John Ralston, J.D. Hunsicker, Dave Chapman, Chris Declercq, and Zack Counts. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kevin Kim, Brian Gilk, Louis De La Garza, Dave Angeli, Bobby Brabham and Jerry Hagen.
Dana Danielsen was born on November 10, 1967, to Allen Danielsen and the late Linda Hite Danielsen. He graduated from Batesburg-Leesville High School in 1985, The Citadel in 1989, and then reported to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida to begin his naval career. He retired from the US Navy as a decorated Commander in 2009 after serving for 20 years. He then completed his MBA and began a second career in the medical industry with AMGEN and SEAGEN as a Compliance Officer.
While in the Navy, he achieved the following decorations, medals, and citations: The Navy Commendation Medal (5), The Navy Unit Commendation; Navy “E” Ribbon, GWOT Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation; National Defense Service Ribbons (2), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Southeast Asia Service Ribbon (2), Kuwait Liberation Medal; Navy Pistol Shot Expert Medal. His last assignment was Commanding Officer NOSC Point Mugu Naval Air Station, CA. He was also awarded the Palmetto Medal of Honor from Former Senator, Jake Knotts.
He was a true Southern Gentleman, a devoted father, son, brother, and friend. He loved God and his country, and he always made time for his friends and family,especially his daughter, Sara. He loved playing golf and spending time with Navy and Citadel friends all over the world. He loved living on Lake Murray and always enjoyed boating and jet-skiing. He was an avid Citadel, Clemson, and LA Dodgers fan. He was always known for his infectious smile, hospitality, and making people feel comfortable everywhere he went.
He is survived by his daughter, Sara Danielsen; former wife, Janet Huttinger Danielsen; girlfriend, Paisley Crapps Amerson; father, Allen Danielsen; sisters Mandy Danielsen and Dotti Danielsen Steele (Kevin); nephew, Justin Murray; niece, Karlie Steele; uncles John Mitchell (Debbie) and Lewis Mitchell (Dolly), and aunts, Marbeth Mitchell Brabham (Bob), Essie Hite Steele and Lois Williamson Hite; special friends, Leroy (Bones) Roland and James, along with many other extended family members.
He was predeceased by grandparents, Jack Hite (Dorothy Baker Hite) and Helen Danielsen Mitchell (Lewis); mother, Linda Hite Danielsen; uncles Lt. Colonel Theodore Danielsen (Cynthia), Danny Danielsen, Jackie Hite (Mickey), Lester Hite (Lois), and Jerry Steele, Sr. (Essie).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any of the following organizations: Radius-Centerville Church@ [email protected], St. Jude Children’s Hospital @ St.Jude.com or Tunnel to Towers @ https://t2t.org.