Melissa Varney

Dana Varney

Birdsong Cremations

Dana L. Varney September 20, 1973 – April 10, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dana L. Varney, a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Dana passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones after a courageous eight-year battle with cancer. He was 51 years old. Born on September 20, 1973, Dana was a man of remarkable strength, humor, and dedication. Over the course of his life, he built a successful career in the aviation industry, working for more than 30 years to achieve his professional goals. After graduating from Colorado Aero Tech, Dana began his career at Centennial Airport before moving to Front Range Airport, and briefly to Washington state. He returned to Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Melissa. They married in 1996 and relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas, where they started their family, and then to Derby, Kansas. Dana's career continued to thrive as he worked for Stevens Aviation in Greenville, South Carolina, and then back to Colorado with Mayo Aviation. His final position was as General Manager at Westar Aviation, where he oversaw the opening of a new facility in Conroe, Texas. Dana made lasting friendships and created strong professional bonds across the country. His passion for aviation was evident in everything he did, and he was deeply respected in his field. Dana was a loving and devoted family man. He leaves behind his wife, Melissa Varney, and their two beloved children, Nathan and Kayden Varney, who were the center of his world. He cherished every moment spent with his family and was especially proud of the way his children grew into exceptional young adults. Dana's strength as a father was evident in the love and wisdom he imparted to Nathan and Kayden, always taking the time to guide them and be present for them in every way. Dana also leaves behind his mother, Irma Lee Varney, brothers Derek Varney (wife Margaret), Dustin Varney (wife Melanie), and their families, including nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews who adored him, Courtney (husband Joel), Ryan, Cole ( wife Dajhanna, sons Paxton and Dustin), and Beau.  He was especially close to his extended family, including in-laws Donald and Becky Harvey, and sister-in-law Brandy DeMalade (husband Ricky) as well as his nieces and nephews, Taylor (husband Lucas, daughter Paisleigh), Lauren (partner Brody), all of whom held a special place in his heart. Outside of his professional and family life, Dana had a wide range of hobbies that kept him busy and brought him joy. He had a lifelong passion for R/C planes, cars, helicopters, and drones, often tinkering with them in his spare time. He enjoyed playing the guitar, 3D printing, and exploring anything mechanical. His creativity and inquisitive mind were always at work, whether through new projects or finding ways to improve the things he loved. Dana also held strong religious beliefs, and his faith was an integral part of his life. He could engage in thoughtful and inspiring conversations about religion for hours, sharing his perspective and always encouraging those around him to embrace their faith. Dana was known for his sharp sense of humor and his ability to light up any room. His friends and family will always remember him for his infectious laughter, kind heart, and the strength and love he showed through his long battle with cancer. Despite his illness, Dana remained an inspiration to everyone around him, showing unparalleled courage and determination in the face of adversity. His final wish was to show his children and loved ones the importance of facing life’s challenges with grace and strength. Dana did just that, and his legacy of resilience, love, and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Dana is survived by his wife, children, mother, brothers, nieces, nephews, and extended family, as well as many close friends and colleagues. His presence will be deeply missed, and his memory cherished forever. Through the years Dana spent at MD Anderson one of the biggest things on his heart were all of the children he would see fighting the same fight as him.  He was so inspired by their strength but it broke his heart to see that they needed to do so.  In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the MD Andersons Children’s Hospital. A memorial service to celebrate Dana’s life will be announced in the near future. May he rest in peace, knowing his love and light will continue to guide those he leaves behind.

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Dana Varney Obituary | Birdsong Cremations