Dana Wilder McKinnon

Dana Wilder McKinnon, 81, of Winter Park, Florida, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends after a long gallant battle with cancer on February 18, 2011. Born on November 27, 1929 to Emma Frances Wilder and Harry Clay McKinnon, Dana graduated from Hillsboro High School and Florida State University. While in Junior High School he began his life long love of music, particularly sacred music, by playing his first church service at St. John's Episcopal Church in Tampa. While a student at Florida State University, Dana played the organ for several churches and served as an Intern for Secretary of State R.A. Gray. Tallahassee was a second home to Dana where his ancestors homesteaded years ago. Following his graduation from FSU, Dana served in the United States Army, worked for Dun and Bradstreet and went on to become Senior Vice President of Citizens Bank of Orlando. During his tenure at Citizen's he over saw the building of Orlando's first high rise building and he met his wife to be, Mary Jane Robertson. Dana and Mary Jane were married on September 25, 1959. The State of Florida later called Dana to lead the Division of Corporations. Again he enjoyed managing a building process by renovating the old Florida jail, named the Firestone Building, to house the Division of Corporations. The Florida Division of Corporations became a model for the country. Because of his innovative ideas, he was recognized by his peers as one of the most accomplished people in his field. He played a major role in the development of the International Association of Corporate Administrators (IACA) and served as IACA's Executive Vice President. He later went on to serve as an Internal Consultant with Citizens Trust (CT) Corporation System out of New York. Dana and Mary Jane loved their numerous opportunities to travel all over the country, but they especially enjoyed their frequent trips to New York City. In addition to his many interests in the corporate world, Dana was also a member of the National Camellia Society and an avid gardener. He was particularly fond of a family citrus grove in Minneola where he enjoyed riding his favorite Tennessee Walker, Mac, for many years. He loved the Blue Ridge Mountains and spent as much time as possible at the "Brown Palace" in Maggie Valley, NC. Dana shared his culinary talents and his love of fine dining with many. He served for many years as the organist and choirmaster at St. Michael's Episcopal Church and later at St. Alban's Anglican Cathedral. Dana lived life to the fullest and was the definition of "old school" gracious southern living. One of his granddaughters called "Peepaw" the walking encyclopedia because he truly loved learning and sharing his knowledge. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him and enjoyed his many talents. Heart felt thanks and immense gratitude go out to many friends, clergy, physicians, caregivers and the Hospice of the Comforter for their loving care, especially in his final days. Dana is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Jane; son Harry Clay McKinnon II (Cynthia); beloved granddaughter Morgan Blair; daughter Emma Jane McKinnon Mills (Anthony); beloved granddaughter Jessie. Funeral services will be held at St. Alban's Anglican Cathedral at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 26, 2011. A reception will be held immediately following the service. Internment will follow at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Alban's, McKinnon Memorial Fund, 3348 West S.R. 426, Oviedo, FL 32765. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751 407-695-CARE (2273). Please view and send condolence at www.degusipefuneralhome.com .

Dana Wilder McKinnon

November 27, 1929 - February 18, 2011