John Dana Fenlason

ASHEVILLE – John Dana Fenlason, of Western North Carolina, age 71, died peacefully Thursday September 14, 2017 at Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville, NC surrounded by family. John was born September 1, 1946 in Mineola, NY. He graduated from Nyack College in Nyack, NY with a love for teaching and a heart for overseas missions. He then lived in Florida where he prospered in business, was a private pilot, and raised his three children, later with his wife he lived in Romania as a missionary to the Gypsies before moving to the mountains of NC. John’s life is a testimony to the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the love of God extended to all people. John was a great encourager to all who knew him. John also enjoyed motorhome trips out West with his family, dirt biking, jeeping, traveling through Europe, and any activity that involved his kids and grandkids. He rarely worried about anything, prayed as if everything depended on God, and worked as if all depended on him. John lavished his love on us all especially his wife and best friend Suzanne. Preceding John in death was his son Jeffery at age 18. Surviving are his wife Suzanne, sister Barbara Briggs of Ft. Mill, SC, son Jarred Fenlason of Cornelius, NC, daughter Julie Rasku of Swannanoa, NC, and 7 grandchildren who each feel they are his favorite. A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held for family and friends Saturday September 30, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church Swannanoa located at 503 Park St. Swannanoa, NC 28778. A family-only grave-side service was held last Sunday September 17, 2017 at Sky View Memorial Park, Asheville. Letters of condolence and donations to the ongoing mission work in Romania can be sent to Suzanne Fenlason C/O Kids in Crisis International PO Box 544 Hazelwood, NC 28738. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Fenlason’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.