Dana Colton

DANA SCOTT COLTON

Cedar Rapids

Our beloved Dana went to his eternal home Monday, March 9, 2015, after a lengthy illness.

He is survived by his wife, Denise Colton (nee Haut); his daughter, Danielle Colton; his parents, Russell and Delores Colton; siblings, Cary (Ginger) Colton, Craig (Karen) Colton, Sara (John) Long, Derek (Penny) Colton and Shane (Amy) Colton; 27 nieces and nephews; a great-niece; and two great-nephews.

Dana was born to Russell and Delores (nee David) Colton in Iowa City, Iowa, in August 1952. He spent his early life in Cedar Rapids, but called the Fort Mill, S.C.-Charlotte, N.C., area home for the past 30 years with his wife and daughter.

Dana was always an artistic man. He spent hours creating beautiful abstract drawings and paintings which always wowed first-time viewers. He also enjoyed playing bass guitar and harmonica. He was an integral part of several rock bands throughout his life, and was even voted best bass guitarist in Charlotte at one point.

A strong man, he worked in construction for most of his life. Highly-skilled, he excelled in remodeling and woodworking. He was witty and humorous, and was able to bring a smile to anyone's face or intelligent conversation to any who wished to engage with him.

He met Denise Haut at the Double Door Inn in Charlotte in 1985. He stopped her in her tracks, asking if she liked his shoes, gaining a laugh from her and marking the start of something grand. They married May 9, 1992 at Ascension Lutheran Church. They completed their family with the birth of their daughter, Danielle, in 1995.

A viewing will be held at Palmetto Funeral Home, Fort Mill, S.C., on March 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. and at Ascension Lutheran Church, Charlotte, N.C., on March 14 at noon, with a celebration of his life immediately following at 1 p.m. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery in China Grove, N.C.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.palmettofh.com.

The family is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Mill, S.C.