Dana Levisay was born on October 25, 1948, in St. Joesph, Mo., to Walter Levisay and Billie (Rackley) Levisay. He died on January 1, 2025.
Dana attended school in Payson, Okla., through sixth grade. After his family moved to Shawnee in 1960, he attended school in Shawnee, graduating from Shawnee High school with the class of 1966. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at OBU, he played baseball for the Bison, helping to win a conference championship. He also coached baseball for one season at St. Gregory's junior college.
Dana served on active duty in the United States Navy Reserve from 1971-73 in San Diego, Calif. During this time, he served with "Project Homecoming" which welcomed returning POWs from Vietnam. He had the honor of taking prisoner statements from Admiral Stockdale, who later became a candidate for vice president.
He married Judith (Hill) on March 17, 1974. They had one daughter, Shelley Lynne. Their marriage ended in 1996. During these years, he completed a master's degree from Central State University in elementary education and a business degree from Seminole Junior College.
Dana joined the United States Army in 1975 and served in the field artillery at Fort Sill, Okla., and Augsburg, Germany as a fire direction specialist.
He retired from the Shawnee Post Office in 2009 after 30 years of government service. He was co-owner of L & H Janitorial Service from 1979-1995.
Dana was a lifelong sports fan and participant. He was an active bowler for 60 years averaging as high as 213 in league play which allowed him to be (mistakenly) listed as a top women's bowler in Oklahoma City. He acted as league secretary for about 20 years. In addition, he bowled (2) 300 games and had (5) holes-in-one at the Elks golf course
He is meeting with his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family and friends in heaven today.
Dana gave his soul to Jesus at Meeker First Baptist in 1958. He has been an active member of Liberty Baptist Church since 1974. He loved to sing for the Lord's glory and bring a smile to faces thru a joke.
He is survived by his daughter Shelley, aunt Nadine Manning, and numerous cousins and dear friends. A special thanks to those friends who helped him thru hospital stays, Shannon Flowers, Mary Gondos, Carol Mosier, and Cynthia Hardin.
Services will be held on January 11, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Liberty Baptist Church, 711 E. Federal Ave Shawnee, OK 74804.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Liberty Baptist Church.