Dana Rook was born in Renton, Wash. to DeLynn Hawes Rook and Brad Rook. He and his family lived there until he was two and then moved back to their hometown of Centralia, Wash. He attended Fords Prairie Elementary School and then Adna School District until the end of sixth grade, then transferred to Centralia School District. During his senior year, he completed his education through the Running Start program at Centralia College.
Dana grew up in Adna, Wash. with his mom and step-dad. Dana had a great love of the outdoors. As a boy, he loved to fish, hunt and spend countless hours just being outside. Since the family lived where there was so much open land, neighbors would let him pass through their property with his dogs to go exploring and learn about nature.
After high school, Dana attended school to learn massage therapy, then decided to enter the military. He joined the Army in 2010, served a year in South Korea, a tour in Afghanistan and returned to his base at Fort Campbell, Ky. in 2013. He earned a CIB, the most prized badge that an infantryman can receive. Dana married in October 2013 and was residing at Clarksville, Tenn. with his wife at the time of his death.
Dana had a smile and dimples that could melt your heart in an instant and had a great sense of humor. He loved to tease and play pranks on people. Dana loved animals and seemed to feel a kinship to them. The family dogs were his constant companions and he usually had a few other pets at home as well. As he grew, he especially liked rodents and reptiles. Dana showed a tough exterior but, had a very kind and sensitive heart. He was a good listener and loyal friend, a strong and dedicated soldier and a deeply loved husband, son, grandson, brother and uncle.
Dana was preceded in death by his grandfather, Rev. Sheldon Hawes and his step-father, Jim Bain.
He is survived by his wife, Heather Rook of Clarksville, Tenn.; mother, DeLynn (Mike) McBride of Newberg, Ore.; father, Brad Rook of Tacoma, Wash.; sister, Jessica (Daniel) Widders; nieces, Emileigh, Alexa and Sophia Widders; and grandmother, Carol Hawes, all of Centralia, Wash.; grandparents, Helen and Marshall Rook of Morton, Wash.; as well as numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Grace Foursquare Church, 3030 Borst Ave., Centralia, Wash.
The Brain Rehabilitation and Injury Network (B.R.A.I.N) is an organization that advocates for adults who have suffered brain injury, including post traumatic stress syndrome. One of their highest priorities is helping military as they return from duty. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to B.R.A.I.N at www.thebrainsite.org where there is a link to the Dana Rook memorial.
