Dana Jones

Dana Jones ,62, of Waco, passed away Tuesday October 24, 2023, after ensuring the Rangers defeated the Astros and secured their spot in the World Series. There is no way we could better honor him than to celebrate his life on a day that would have been his favorite of the year, first game day of the series. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday October 27, 2023, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr. Waco with Pastor David Cozart officiating. A private family burial will follow. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m.

Dana was born June 18, 1961, in Alabama as the youngest of three brothers. He graduated from Connally High School and after marrying the love of his life, Paula, on May 17, 2007, he spent the rest of his career at Clayton Homes in Waco. Dana and Paula spent their free time traveling any chance they could. Winstar, Hot Springs, road trips to Tennessee, the destination didn’t matter, it was the experience. They were often joined by his sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Darrell Roberts, the other half of their adventure team.

Affectionally known as “Beef”, Dana could make anyone laugh. From his Facebook memes to the infamous “GO AWAY” sign on his front porch, he wanted to make others smile even if only for a small moment of their day. Anyone who was lucky enough to know Dana could speak to how much he appreciated the little things in life and the positivity he brought everywhere he went. His genuine kindness touched the hearts of everyone he encountered, leaving an impact on all who had the honor of crossing paths with him. There was not much that could get a rise out of him unless the Rangers or Cowboys game was going south. He was an avid fan whose passion spread to those around him. If there wasn’t a sports game, Nascar, or Big Brother playing, you could always find him with his other biggest little joy in life, Dr Peppers. As a rough estimate, we figure Dana accounted for about 20 percent of overall sales. Whether through his infectious positivity, his sage advice (this could be iffy sometimes, especially if you took it from his Facebook page), or his unwavering loyalty, Dana had an uncanny ability to uplift others even in the darkest of times.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clara and J.T. Jones; Mother-in-Law, Ruth Simons; and one of his four-legged best friends, Tyson.

Dana leaves behind a stadium full of Ranger and Cowboy fans; his wife and best friend, Paula Tate Jones; daughter, Ashley McBee ; brothers, Jerry Jones and wife P.J., and Steve Jones; his other four-legged best friend, Trixie; In-Laws, Pam Roberts and husband Darrell, Howard Simons and wife Teresa; stepsons, Brandon Tate and fiancée Leah Nichols, and Tanner Tate; aunt, Margaret Griffin; bonus daughter, Malissa Tate and boyfriend, Billy Rutherford; grandchildren; Aryanna McBee, Kacey McBee, Makenzie Tate, Abygail Tate, Jackson Tate, and Jace Tate; nieces and nephews, Kerri Rodriguez, Tressa Jones, Bubba Garland, Amanda Hatten and husband Archie, DJ Roberts and wife Laura, and Amy Simons, as well as a host of great nieces and nephews that will make sure his cheering continues on.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that to honor Dana, a random act of kindness be done in his name and welcome you to share on the online guestbook or his Facebook with the hashtag #ForDana.

The measure of one's life is not in the length of years, but in the depth of the impact made. His spirit will forever be etched in our hearts, reminding us to love wholeheartedly, embrace every moment, appreciate the little things, and of course… to always have Dr Pepper and bacon in the refrigerator.

“Go Rangers!”- Dana Jones, probably..... “Who are we kidding, he said it every chance he could."