(From Walnut Lawn Funeral Home)Dana Joe Gilliam age 58 of Springfield Missouri passed peacefully on February 2, 2025 in Olathe Kansas. Born in Davenport, Iowa on September 11, 1966.
Dana was the beloved son of Howard and Nancy Gilliam (Mitchell).
Dana attended Carl Junction High School and graduated in 1984. He continued his education at Missouri Southern State College and later in life earned his associates degree from Ozarks Technical Community College.
Throughout his early years Dana worked various jobs, his favorite being Babes Drive In Diner. Dana later found success working in automotive sales and finance for Youngblood Kia, where his well known negotiation skills were shown.
However, his true calling was in youth ministry. Dana served as the Youth Pastor at both Joplin St. Paul UMC and Asbury UMC in Springfield. Some of Dana’s most cherished moments from youth ministry include organizing WOW conferences where thousands of youth gathered at the Springfield Convention Center, catering food for various church events, being a camp counselor at Camp Galilee, traveling around the world for mission trips, and working retreats at New Life Ranch. His passion for ministry and dedication for spiritual growth left a lasting impact.
In recent years Dana discovered a new passion; officiating high school and collegiate volleyball. His joy for this sport began during his college years playing recreationally. From 2014 onward, he traveled the country officiating tournaments, with the friendships he formed along the way being the most treasured part of his journey.
Dana lived a life full of diverse interests and hobbies. He loved smoking barbecue for competitions, playing poker for local charity, going on Carnival cruises with his family and friends, attending live concerts which stemmed from his early passion of music by singing in choir and playing the trumpet, and participating in his fantasy football league. His best known passion was rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. Above all of these interests, Dana most enjoyed his Saturday morning men's breakfast group the most.
Dana’s father, Howard Gilliam and brother in law, Roger Nichols preceded Dana in death.
In recent years Dana discovered a new passion; officiating high school and collegiate volleyball. His joy for this sport began during his college years playing recreationally. From 2014 onward, he traveled the country officiating tournaments, with the friendships he formed along the way being the most treasured part of his journey.
Dana lived a life full of diverse interests and hobbies. He loved smoking barbecue for competitions, playing poker for local charity, going on Carnival cruises with his family and friends, attending live concerts which stemmed from his early passion of music by singing in choir and playing the trumpet, and participating in his fantasy football league. His best known passion was rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. Above all of these interests, Dana most enjoyed his Saturday morning men's breakfast group the most.
Dana’s father, Howard Gilliam and brother in law, Roger Nichols preceded Dana in death.
Dana is survived by his son, Mason Gilliam of Springfield Missouri; Daughter, Courtney (Gilliam) and husband Dan Courtney of Kansas City; Mother, Nancy Gilliam (Mitchell) of Webb City; Sister, Tracy Nichols (Gilliam); Sister Shannon (Gilliam) and husband Jarett Woolridge; and numerous nieces and nephews. Finally his two fur children, Bear and Joejoe a testament of his life long love for dogs.
Dana’s presence, love, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SMVOA Scholarship fund. Check or cash donations should be sent to the following:
SMVOA c/o Marla Shuler 3927 Silverlake RD Billings MO 65610
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