Dana Jay Burdon

Dana Jay Burdon, AMHC – US Navy, Retired

Dana J. Burdon 65 of Mena, AR, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022, in Fort Smith, AR. Dana was born January 11, 1957, in San Francisco, CA. He was a veteran of the United States Navy where he served his country for 22 years before retiring and spending the next 22 years as an aircraft mechanic for ERA Helicopters on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. Dana never met a stranger! He loved to laugh and loved to make others laugh as well. He took every interaction as an opportunity to turn someone’s day around with a smile and a few perfectly placed jokes. He enjoyed the finer things in life like a nice glass of whiskey,  taking a beautiful bike ride through the mountains, a ride around the lake on the boat, or a leisurely camping trip in the RV. Dana loved with his entire heart and was fiercely loyal to his friends and family. When he wasn’t off taking advantage of a beautiful day, he could be found enjoying family dinners on Saturday, tinkering in the garage, reloading ammo, rebuilding any number of automotive projects, or enjoying a good movie on surround sound with buttered popcorn and no talking, of course. Dana will be remembered for his love and loyalty to those he cared most about, love for his wife and his desire to make her feel special every day.

Dana is survived by his wife and dearest friend, Dwyla Fontenot Burdon; daughters, Nicole Singley (Nicholas Singley) and Maegan Hubbard (David “DJ” Hubbard); son; Brandon Burdon; sisters, Loren Burdon, DeLynn Burdon and Carla Cavanaugh (Randy); granddaughter, Saylor Hubbard; stepmother, Judy Burdon; brothers and Tom Holz, Kirt Holz and John Roberts. He also leaves his Fontenot family: father-in-law, Roland Fontenot (Jeanne); brothers-in-law, Kyle Fontenot (Stephanie), Shawn Fontenot, Chad Fontenot and Jackie Points (Angela); sisters-in-law, Tiffaney Lee (Jeff), Kesha Martin (Keith), Tonya Barry (Thom) and Gina Clanton (Tyson) and numerous nieces and nephews he loved and adored.

He was preceded in death by his father, Norwood Burdon; mother, Donna Farrington; brother, Lee Burdon and sister, Kobi Roberts.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Monday, May 09, 2022 in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home.  Father Alan Trouille will officiate. Visitation Sunday will be from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM and will continue Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.