Dana Switzner

(From Parker Mortuary)

Dana Lou Switzner, 86, of Smithville, Missouri passed away Thursday, August 5, 2021 after a prolonged decline. Her husband, Doug and their children, Daniel, Diane and David were by her side.

Dana was born September 26, 1934 in Southwest City, Missouri to the late Fred and LuVena (Harrison) Williams. She was the second of six children. 

 

Dana was raised on the family farm and attended Greenwood Schools and Southwest City High School. By farming and waitressing, she was able to attend Northeast Oklahoma A & M College in Miami, Oklahoma.

 

While attending NEO Dana had the privilege of marching in the Pasadena Junior Rose Bowl parade as a member of the North Stars Drill Team. More importantly, met her best friend and the love of her life, Douglas “Doug” Shannon Switzner of Skiatook, Oklahoma.

On December 19, 1953 Dana and Doug were united in marriage in Miami, Oklahoma. Together they shared 67 loving years before her passing. They had three children, Daniel, Diane and David.

Dana was a Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church in Cassville, Missouri. She was on the building committee and also served on the hospitality committee for many years. She baked and served thousands of her hot rolls.

Dana developed a passion for education and started teaching in a one-room school in Nebraska. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Southwest Missouri State University and her Master’s Degree from Truman State University, both in education. Dana spent time furthering her education while being a wonderful wife and mother. She taught at several schools, even coaching volleyball, softball and track for a time. She finished her teaching career at the Cassville IV School District, Cassville, Missouri.

Dana enjoyed traveling with her husband, sisters, children and grandchildren. Dana and Doug spent many winters golfing in Texas, but always returned to Cassville in time for trout season. She enjoyed roller coasters with her children and grandchildren. Hiking in the Andes, riding an elephant in Thailand and sailing on the Aegean Sea are just a few of her many adventures.

Dana cherished the time spent and memories created with her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Dana loved deeply and was deeply loved. She will be missed by all.

In addition to her parents, Dana was also preceded in death by two sisters, Vera Lee Lewis and Nita Aquino and grandson Andrew Horning.

Dana is survived by her husband, Doug; children, Daniel Stephen Switzner and wife, Janet of Smithville, Missouri, Diane Lynn Switzner Horning and husband, Michael of Leeton, Missouri, David Solomon Switzner and wife, Peggy of Warsaw, Missouri; seven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; brother, Tommy Williams and wife, Rose of Lanagan, Missouri; sisters, Emma Sue Freer of Seabrook, Texas, Sammy Dillinger of Kansas City, Missouri; together with many extended family and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Southwest City Cemetery with Pastor James Weaver officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Dana Switzner Teacher Scholarship Fund, in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.