Dana B. Foraker, age 94, of Caldwell, Ohio, died Friday, March 10, 2023, at Ohio Health Southeastern Medical Center in Cambridge. He was born January 31, 1929, in Caldwell, son of the late Joseph B. “J.B.” and Edna B. Sprague Foraker. Dana was a 1947 graduate of Forest Grove High School. He retired as a job setter from Glacier Vandervell in Caldwell following over 30 years of service. He also was employed as a truck driver for R.C. Moore Lumber in Caldwell and worked in underground coal mines. He was a member of the Caldwell Church of Christ. Dana loved horses. He enjoyed showing horses, going to horse pulls and horse races, and was a member of various saddle horse clubs. He was an Ohio State Pole Bending Champion with his horse, Lum, and he enjoyed watching his brother Dean race horses. Dana and his wife, Geneva, traveled to county fairs around the area to attend horse events. He also enjoyed fishing.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Geneva J. Mendenhall Foraker, whom he married July 10, 1949, and who died January 20, 2019; one sister, Ruth Zimmerman; three brothers, Dean Foraker, Bernard Foraker, and Carl Foraker; and a son-in-law, Robert D. “Bob” McElfresh.
Surviving are his children, Patricia A. “Patty” McElfresh of Caldwell, Ronnie G. (Denise D.) Foraker of Belpre, and Donald R. “Beanie” (Stacy M.) Foraker of Cambridge; 12 grandchildren, Shelley (Bill) Barlock, Benjy (Chasity) Thompson, Brandey (Joey) Mincks, Kelsey (Zeb) Hallowell, Kimberley (Brett) Burns, Dustin Foraker, Kyla (Greg) Moore, Anthony (Mindy) Foraker, Ashley St. Clair, Joshua St. Clair, Rachael (Shane) Harpold, and Matthew Foraker; 15 great-grandchildren; his sister, Reva E. (Paul E.) Lori of Lancaster; his sister-in-law, V. Jean Ramsey of Caldwell; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call Monday, March 13, 2023, from 4-8PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where the funeral service will be observed Tuesday, March 14th at 11AM with Pastor Kris Bright officiating. Burial will follow at Sharon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Caldwell Church of Christ, 104 Cumberland Street, Caldwell, Ohio, 43724.
