Dana Sue (Brown) Haynes, 61, of Wentzville, MO, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Saint Louis, MO, following complications from cancer treatments.

Dana was born November 15,1962 to William (Bill) and Barbara (Barb) Brown of Saint James, MO. On October18, 2003, she was united in marriage with Clay Haynes. That day she gained her two favorite titles of wife and mom.

Dana was a larger-than-life figure to all who met her. She loved people and people loved her. As an active youth, she stayed busy with school, twirling, showing livestock as well as 4-H and FFA leadership activities . Throughout her life, she tirelessly gave back to those organizations that had shaped and meant so much to her. As a former State 4-H officer and lifelong supporter of 4-H programs, she began serving on the Missouri 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees in 2018 and was the current chair-elect. With her master organization and planning skills, she recently chaired and orchestrated the Foundation's highly successful 75th Anniversary Gala, grossing more than $117,000 for state 4-H programs.

Dana attended the University of Missouri College of Agriculture and received a degree in Agricultural Journalism in 1985. That started a lifetime of friendships, employment, opportunities , and experiences that impacted not only Dana but everyone around her. At MU she was an active member of the Block and Bridle Club, Ag Student Council, Ag Communicators of Tomorrow and numerous other campus activities.

Following graduation, she had a successful tenure with Vance Publishing, selling national advertising for Drovers Journal for nearly three years. In 1988, Dana returned to the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources as the Director of Career Development and Alumni Relations. During her 29-year tenure, she set the standard for the office and showcased her true calling for helping and working with people. Through Dana, countless students received career and 'life' counseling, practical internship and work experiences and they always knew they had a lifelong friend and ally in their corner. Under her guidance, the Alumni network was mobilized into a force for change and action with the creation of Ag Unlimited, the Ag 100 Club, Tiger Ag Classic Golf Tournament and the Homecoming Tailgate. Through these activities, more than $1 million dollars have been raised to support the College and CAFNR students. In recognition of her service to the College, students and alumni, a Dana Haynes Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to an individual who reflects her core values of passion, engagement and teamwork. In 2018, she received the CAFNR Alumnus of the Year from the Alumni Association, its highest honor, in recognition of her tireless dedication and commitment to the advancement of the University and College.

Following her retirement from the University, she found great satisfaction from spending time with her husband, children, family, friends and in service to her church, Wentzville Christian Church.

Dana is survived by husband Clay; children Nathan, Dallas, TX, Mark, Kansas City, MO, Becky Haynes Coday & Son-in-law – James Coday, Denver, CO; mother, Barbara (Barb) Brown, Saint James, MO; and numerous relatives and friends, including "The Girls" who have been by her side through the end. She was preceded in death by her father.

Dana had a strong faith and is now resting in the arms of her Savior. Though she left us too soon, her legacy will live on in the numerous lives she touched and the way that she empowered, motivated and encouraged people to be active and engaged in their communities and with their friends and family.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 3 pm to 8 pm at Jones Funeral Home, Saint James, MO.

The funeral service will be at 2 pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024 with Bro. Keith Comp officiating. Pallbearers will be Nathan Haynes, James Coday, John Haynes, Mark Haynes, Bill Haynes, and Tim Haynes. Honorary pallbearers will be Stephanie Gable, Carol Hein, Darla Eggers, Kate Geppert, and Anita Vanderwert. Burial will be in the St. James Cemetery, Saint James, MO.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri 4-H Foundation or MU-CAFNR Advancement.

A 4-H scholarship fund will be established in memory of Dana. Contributions may be made to the Missouri 4-H Foundation, 109 Whitten Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. Mark on the memo line Dana Brown Haynes.

You can click the link to make a donation. The website address for the 4-H Scholarship Fund is https://www.giving.missouri.edu/The-Clover-Fund. Please remember to fill out the memorial designation section or place Dana Brown Haynes in the comment section.

If giving to CAFNR, please send check to CAFNR Advancement-MU, 122 Eckles Hall, Columbia, MO 6521. Mark on the memo line Dana Brown Haynes.

Cards for memorials are also available at the Jones Funeral Home.

Online condolences for the family may be shared at jonesfunerals.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Saint James, MO.