Dana Anthony Brown, 78, passed away on January 17, 2026, in McKinney, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. Son of Mabel Sipe Brown and Leonard Brown, Dana was born on May 2, 1947 in Newport News, Virginia, where he began his extraordinary life among four siblings within a large, extended, and wonderful family.

Dana spent three years at The College of William and Mary, leaving after his junior year to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Serving in Vietnam, Dana, wounded, was a Purple Heart recipient. Upon completion of his service with the Corps, he returned to William & Mary to complete his senior year to graduate, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Dana met Lorraine, the love of his life, on a blind date arranged by a friend in June of 1973. As Dana was rather shy, their friend felt the need to arrange a second date where their relationship caught hold. Dana and Lorraine were married on November 5, l974.

Stepdad to Lorraine’s daughter, Lisa Marie, Dana raised her as his own. In a tribute to Dana on the occasion of his 70th birthday, Lisa wrote, “…Dana was always there for me. No matter what mistakes I made, whether foolish or innocent, Dana was always there to catch me.”

Dana’s greatest legacy was the love and support he gave to his devoted family. He will be sorely missed by his wife Lorraine, daughter Lisa, and her husband, Brian Keith Romans, of Allen, Texas. Dana shared a very special bond with his grandchildren Leah Nicole Romans, Joshua David Romans, and Joshua’s wife, Caity Byrd.

Dana is survived by his sister, Patricia Ann Poslik, her husband, Joseph Anthony Poslik, Ralph Ronald Williams, husband of Dana’s deceased sister, Frances Lescure Williams, of Hampton, Virginia, as well as many much-loved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. His sister Connie Lescure Smith of Hampton, Virginia, and his brother, Joseph Lescure of Roanoke, Virginia, also preceded Dana in death.

The majority of Dana’s career was spent in law enforcement. He served with distinction from his start with the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia, to his 25 years with the United States Secret Service, and to becoming director of the TSA/Federal Air Marshal Service. He was later recognized with his roles in private industry:

     • Silver Medal, Department of Homeland Security (2008)

     • John W. Magaw Values Award, Transportation Security Administration (2008)

     • Professional of the Year – Consulting, Strathmore’s Who’s Who (2012)

     • Professional of the Year – Security Consulting, America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals (2012)

Dana will always be remembered for his immense kindness and generosity to everyone, his great vocabulary and his love of technology, having every new technical gadget that came along. Best of all, he learned how to use these toys and was willing to share his understanding and help with anyone who asked him. He loved to travel, particularly cruising, and Dana and Lorraine had many wonderful adventures. We will always remember hearing him say, “Be careful – IAJOT” (It’s A Jungle Out There) whenever we were leaving him.

Please join us for a celebration of Dana’s life on January 31, 2026 at 11am, First United Methodist Church of Allen, 601 South Greenville Avenue, Allen, TX 75002.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to: Save the Children or Wounded Warrior Project.

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