Jones, Dana Eugene

December 18, 1960-August 29, 2023. Survived by sister, Joye Jones Hengst (Joe), Barnhart; niece, Jennifer Hengst (Ashley), Los Angeles, CA; great-niece, Ruth Hengst, Los Angeles, CA; nephew, David Hengst, York, PA; very special cousin James Reaser, St. Louis. Preceding him in death, his father and mother Gene and Ruth Jones and life partner Bruce Summers. Our beloved brother, uncle, great uncle, cousin, co-worker and friend.

Dana always lived life to the fullest and devoted all his energy to the task at hand. Unflinchingly kind, extravagantly generous, a friend to all. He never hesitated to help, always led courageously and never left a dirty joke untold. Above and beyond was his norm. He was a whirlwind of energy, excitement, and charisma.

His love of cooking and entertaining started at an early age. Always in the kitchen with his mother, he started his professional career in restaurants and hospitality at the Magic Pan as a busboy. His years of work with Tippin’s Restaurants, Sheraton Hotels, Delta Queen Steamboat Company and his own tour company, DanaBruce Tours, led to an extensive network of colleagues, co-workers and dear friends. All of them have numerous stories, photos and fond memories of time well spent with Dana.

In addition to extensive work accomplishments, he continued his mother’s work at the Sappington House in Crestwood as the Managing trustee of the Sappington House Library of Americana Private Trust. He also volunteered with Wreaths Across America at Jefferson Barracks cemetery.

In recent years he worked as the Executive Chef at The Barn Restaurant at Sappington House. And finally managing land operations for Viking Cruise Lines.

When he wasn’t planning events, running businesses or cooking for a living, he loved caring for his garden, volunteering in the community, spending time with family and getting into mischief with friends. But always coming home to his sweet pit bull mix, Edie.

In passing Dana has been reunited with the love of his life, Bruce Summers. Dana and Bruce were committed to each other for over 15 years. Bruce lost a battle with cancer in 2006, during which Dana lovingly cared for him until the very end.

Services:  Visitation on Friday, September 8, 4:00-8:00 p.m., Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123

Funeral service on Saturday, September 9, 12:30 p.m., Webster Hills United Methodist Church, 698 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119  Reception afterward at 2:30 p.m., The Barn Restaurant, 1015 S. Sappington Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sappington House Foundation, 1015 S. Sappington Rd., Crestwood, MO 63126 and Stray Rescue of St. Louis, 2320 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103.