James "Steve" Steven Dana

James Steven ("Steve") Dana, 81, devoted husband and loving father, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Everett, Washington. Born April 20, 1945, in Phoenix, Arizona, he was the middle child of George Isaac Dana and Eva Cummard Dana. Steve believed in the value of hard work and strived to develop his talents. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a missionary in both Argentina and San Antonio, Texas. Steve shared his musical gifts by playing the organ and piano at church for decades.

Steve was raised in Tempe near ASU, back when the neighborhood streets were still dirt. He grew up playing sports, exploring, and riding bikes with friends. As a young man, he was often found helping at his father's car dealership, Dana Brothers. It was in Tempe that he began developing his gift as a musician. During his missionary service, he played music with a missionary band that toured throughout Uruguay and Argentina.

Steve earned a degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University, and built a career with the Arizona Department of Transportation as an electrical and civil engineer.

He married Laura Lee Wingfield on June 8, 1968 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Together they had four children--Jamie, Stuart, Holly, and Jeremy-- with whom he remained very close throughout his life. Music remained Steve’s true passion. A talented pianist and singer, he spent years performing in various bands throughout Arizona, often bringing his children along to his “gigs.” His wife Laura often performed as lead singer alongside Steve at band jobs. After the passing of his wife, Laura in 1978, Steve met and married Mary Abbott. Her two children, Lora and Gary Ingalsbe, became part of the family. Mary passed away in 2009.

During his retirement years in the Seattle area, Steve continued performing music. He married Roxanne Nelson on July 13, 2013, in Everett, Washington where they spent many happy years together. He enjoyed helping Roxanne babysit grandchildren and loved spending time with her children Rob, Ryan, and Rachelle.

Steve is survived by his wife, Roxanne Dana, and her three children; daughters Jamie Martin (Daryl), and Holly Dana; sons Stuart Dana (Rachel), and Jeremy Dana (Stacie); stepdaughter Lora; and his sister, Diane Dana. He was preceded in death by his spouses, Laura and Mary, stepson Gary, and his brother, Tim Dana. He leaves behind eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Steve is remembered by his extended family and friends whose lives were touched by his legacy of faith, music, humor, generosity, and kindness.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4525 E. Knox Road, Phoenix, under the direction of Bishop Joe Mildenhall. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment at Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements in Arizona are by Bunker Family Funerals.