Dana Wayne Browning

SMSGT. (Ret. A.F.) Dana Wayne Browning, 88, of Jacksonville passed away on February 21, 2021. He was born in Sarah Ann, W. Va., to Noah Wayne and Dora Browning on February 26, 1932. In addition to his parents, Dana is preceded in death by his siblings, Joy Keathley and William Browning; and sister-in-law, Kay Browning. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Dana and Fran enjoyed traveling and camping in the comfort of their motor home. He truly loved nature and the solitude of a good hike. He was an avid reader and very fond of learning about history. Dana relished the trips to Branson with his church family, as attested by multiple photo albums. Spending time with friends for weekend trips or sharing a daily coffee, brightened his days. We will forever miss him and always cherish our time together. During his military career, Dana and family served across the country at bases in Texas, Kansas, Maine, New York and Puerto Rico. He interrupted his service to attend college at the University of Texas, obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Education degree. He then rejoined the Air Force choosing a Strategic Air Command base in Loring, Maine. Dana was honored to become an AF NCO Leadership Instructor at Plattsburg AFB (NY) then later at Barksdale AFB (La) until his retirement. Upon retirement 1974, he relocated to Jacksonville, Arkansas and joined the ROTC staff at Jacksonville High School. This was a perfect fit for him. "Sarge" became a mentor for many students and they all became very important to him, many becoming lifelong friends. The patriotism instilled in him from his Air Force service was everlasting. His love of our country was surpassed only by the love for his family and ROTC students. He is survived by his wife, Frances Browning; children, Brenda (Randy) Harding and Keith (Kathy) Browning; five grandchildren, Ashley (Nick) Speer, Christine (Steve) Creekmore, Reed Harding, Danica (James) Reece, and Eliza (Matthew) Gonzalez; six great-grandchildren; and siblings, Noal Browning and Lois Belding. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Moore Funeral Home with all COVID-19 precautions in place. Dana will be interred at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery will full military honors 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, 2021, all are welcome. Lasting memorials may be made in his name to the Jacksonville Museum of Military History (100 Veterans Circle, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076). Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.