Robert "Bob" Howard Dana
Robert Howard Dana of Beaumont, Texas, known to friends as “Bob” passed away on June 20, 2020, at the age of 65. He was born on April 2, 1955 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to MaryAnn and Jack Dana. Bob graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas, and went on to pursue and complete an accounting degree at LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was employed for over twenty years at Gulf States Utilities.
One of Bob’s greatest enjoyments in life was “working out”. If you’re a member of Christus Health and Wellness Center then you are likely to know or have seen him there. He did have other enjoyments as well. He had a love for searching for antique artifacts. If a building in downtown Beaumont was being torn down you might find him down there after the fact searching for treasures. He especially loved finding old bottles and had a large collection of them. He loved history and would much rather read a nonfiction book than a fiction book. He enjoyed researching Dana ancestry. He loved to fish going often to New Mexico to fish the rivers there with his brother Jim. Bob loved music, especially rock and roll. He picked up guitar playing in his 20’s and with perseverance became quite good at it. He loved hiking, waterfalls, rocks, and playing tennis and softball (He is the founding member of the softball team Billy and the Hoods).
Bob had a great ability to recount people and things. If you played a game of trivia with him you were likely to lose. He had an innate ability as well to meet someone for the first time and instantly find a connection. If he was your friend, it was for life. He will be greatly missed by many.
Bob is survived by his son, Colt Dana and his wife, Jessica and granddaughter Millie due on December 5th of this year. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Margaret Rhodes Sullivan, of Groves, Texas; brother, Jim Dana and his wife, Patty, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister, Lynn Greer and her husband, Jud, of San Diego, California; sister, Sue Paladino and her husband, Leo of Lumberton, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Cheryl (Cup) Sonnier Dana
A very special thank you to Bob’s girlfriend, Margaret, who so lovingly cared for him during his illness and Dr. Birdwell who was not only his oncologist but his friend as well.
Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength: they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
A gathering of Bob’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., with a eulology of Bob’s life following from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2020, at Broussard’s 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of one’s choice.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Corona Virus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Gathering of Family and Friends
- 2000 mcfaddin street beaumont tx 77701
- 06/26/2020
- 2:51 pm
Broussard's Mortuary - McFaddin Avenue
Broussard's Mortuary - McFaddin Avenue
- 2000 mcfaddin avenue beaumont tx 77701
Comments
John Blackwell
What a wonderful person. Rest in heaven. Will miss you
Millie Schaer
I loved the way Bob laughed. It was joyful. From one LSU Tiger to another, I'll always remember you.
Butch Spafford
We will all miss Billy Hood...great friend...the first person my mother hired at GSU...RIP
Kathy Scoggin
Rest in peace Bob! My prayers are with the Dana family!
Mark Paladino
I will miss his smiling face and the chump nerd basket ball games.
Theresa Johnston
Bob and Cup lived across the street from us on Oriole St. and we got to know him well. I was initially friends with Cup but that crazy guy win me over as well! Always had a smile and a wave for me and a little conversation or two. Great guy!
Tommy Sonnier
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I loved him like a brother. I remember back in the day going through his album collection where he introduced me to new music. One of the albums we bonded together on was The Stranglers. Good beat, easy to dance to, we gave it a 75. I will miss him.
Brendon "Coony" Legendre
As a long-time personal trainer at the Wellness Center, I've gotten to know Bob well over the years. He was an avid exerciser whose presence was always a joy to everyone. We used to talk baseball often as it was a passion of both of ours. I'm saddened to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed. RIP, my friend. Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
Mary (Maribeth) Sonnier
My deepest condolences to Bob's family and friends. Bob was my brother in law by marriage and I have great memories of him, Cup and Colt. Very nice, good person who I will always fondly remember.
Chelsey Wigginton
I met Bob working at the Health and Wellness Center. He lightened everyone’s day just walking through the door. We all raced to check him in as we all knew his member number by heart. Bob and I often had many conversations about life and he always gave the best advice. Bob was just an absolutely amazing person. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, this loss is not an easy one.
Jo Ann Sonnier
I’ll always remember how athletic Bob was and he always had a great smile for everyone. I was his wife Cup’s step-mother, married to her father for almost 40 years and he was a wonderful son-in-law and was always willing to help anyway he could. I’m so very sorry to hear of his passing and my memories of him will always be with love and kindness. My sympathy goes out to Colt and his family.
Janis & Dwain Stanley
My heartfelt condolences to all of the Dana family. As a long time friend and neighbor of Sue & Leo, I want you to know how very sorry I am. Sending you many prayers that God will comfort you all in your time of need. Rest in Heavenly peace, Bob.
ALBERT DUFFEL
Prayers for Colt and the family. I knew Bob from GSU, softball games, and Wellness Center visits, He was a great man, husband, Dad and friend who always had a friendly word to share we you saw him. We had many heart to heart talks about dealing with the loss of a loved one. RIP my friend!
Brenda Webb
Bob was always such a great guy. I remember him laughing at Sue and I at her 50th birthday party because we took a picture of us making an L on our forehead for loser. Problem was, as Bob pointed out, we did our L's backwards. So sorry for the whole wonderful Dana family. He will be sorely missed.
James “Bird Dog†Adams
Rest In Peace Bob. Life is short. It is made to be enjoyed!
Tom Wiggins
RIP Bob, you will be greatly missed. So glad Louie brought you the beach party and we got to catch up. You made "Hood Ball" a legend! I still have my BATH card! My condolences to all the Dana/Sonnier families.
Lewis Rusche
I met Bob at the Wellness Center. When he realized I was a Port Arthur boy and a TJ grad there was an instant bond. We often encouraged each other as our parents aged and each in turn endured their passing. Through this whole ordeal Bob kept a positive outlook and so many stopped and inquired of his health, as he never complained. I shall miss him at the gym and always pleasant greeting To his family I offer my condolences and heartfelt sorrow for your loss
Beverly Haley
I worked with Bob at Gulf States for many years. He was a fellow employee and eventually my Supervisor. He always had time to talk and train the employees. He was 10 years younger than me and we laughed many times about a comment I made when he transferred into the Tax Department.."That young kid is coming to our Department!" We became very good friends and I will miss the occasional call from him since my retirement from Entergy.
Jan Wynn
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing though I’m certain he will be welcomed by heavenly hosts as he reunites with loved ones. I worked for The WC from before it opened til 2019. Bob was “one of us.†I would bet everyone who met Bob has so many fine and fun memories that sharing them would take forever but would be worth hearing! Bob and I talked quietly about loss and TJ HS. He understood grief. He was “safe†to talk to about my own. What a super guy. I’m so sorry his dear ones will miss him. God Bless you.
Louis Blanda
There are many fictional heroes depicted in books & film, but Bob was the real deal. He was a beloved friend and family member to many, that brought us all great joy. I will miss you my friend, as will many others for the joy and goodness you brought to this world! As the Billy Joel song says, “Only the good die young “!
Linda Ursprung
I worked in the Accounting Department at GSU with Bob many years ago. We had a special connection because we both were originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up not far from each other. Also, his birthday was April 2nd, and mine is April 5th. He was two years older than me. He was so easy to talk to and very kind. We used to talk about things we experienced growing up in Pa like eating Tastykakes, which were made in Philadelphia and we both loved. His life paralleled mine, as I noticed in the pictures in his obituary. I had a family photo like his. I remember going to the seashore with my family, being in the fourth of July parades, and having snow around Christmas. He was a wonderful person who loved his family. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him. It was a true honor. He will be missed.
Theresa Miller
Love All the memories I've read here, I had the pleasure of meeting Bob this past year and I was met with a Smile and a Hug! I admired his Strength. RIP Bob No More Pain.
Misty Nix
What can I say Mr. BOB you will be missed, I will forever miss your smiling face, every time you walk into the Wellness center. Your check in number '30358' will forever be in my heart! Have fun in nature with Jesus Christ and rest in his loving arms. Until we see each other again!
Jill Street
We will certainly miss you at the Wellness Center, Bob. I enjoyed working with you at Gulf States Utilities too, many years ago..
Joanne Leong-Pierce
Bob wasn’t just a fellow “gym-rat†he was a good friend who will be dearly missed. HWC will not be the same without him. We also shared quiet conversations about loss. He was always genuine and trustworthy. Shared grief and concern for each other’s well being kept us connected and it certainly lightened my load. I am a better person because I called him my friend. May we all find some peace in his passing and may we all find strength to live as a tribute to his memory. My condolences to his family and friends.
David Senior
God bless Bob and his family. â¤ï¸
Mary Ferguson
So very sorry for your loss Colt. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary (JuJu’s)
Brandon East
It was amazing getting to know Bob here at HWC and having some good conversations, especially over the past year. We're going to honor Bob in a way here at HWC. Much love and light.
Ed Richey
This was another loss for such a great family. Bob helped coach me at the HWC; and his dad Jack, who coached my softball team in the late sixties, passed away last year.. Also, we are all family at the HWC; and Bob, a fellow TJHS Yellow Jacket, was a solid "leader of the pack". His was a great fight! When my time comes, I pray I can face it with this grace and courage.
Candy Cole
So sorry to hear about Bob's passing. My prayers are with all the family.
MELENA HAMPTON
It was such a pleasure in getting to know Mr. Bob!! His genuine presence at the HWC brought us all so much joy and happiness. He was such an inspiration to not only myself but to many others I'msure. He was always positive and determined to push through any obstacles that came his way. I'm sending the Dana family my prayers and condolences. I'll miss you Mr. Bob!!
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Kym
Colt , I’m so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing .. I will always remember your dads huge smile and gentle nature . He will definitely be missed
Crystal Magee
Bob was the nicest guy you could ever meet. I knew him from the Wellness Center. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. God must have needed an angel for sure! Everyone loved Bob! He was such a great guy and a caring friend to all he knew and he knew so many! I will miss our talks and the Wellness Center will never be the same without him.. Rest In Peace, Bob. Love you..