Richard L. Dana, 75, of Canton, died Wednesday January 4, 2006 after an extended illness. He was born August 21, 1930 in New York City, the son of Deane and Dorothy Dana. He lived in New York for a short time before moving to Canton, where he graduated from Lehman High School. In 1968, he married Marilou (Wintermute). Mr. Dana studied mechanical engineering at The Ohio State University before serving in the United States Air Force as a pilot, navigator, and radar observer. He was a B-29 pilot in the Korean Conflict and later piloted KC-97 tanker planes and B-27s. Following his military career, Mr. Dana worked in the ceramic tile industry, principally with the former U.S. Ceramic Tile Plant in East Sparta, Ohio. During his tenure years with U.S. Ceramic Tile, he was directly responsible for two patents granted to the company for tile manufacturing. He was a leader in the development of fast firing techniques for the manufacturer of Ceramic Tile. He taught segments of the American Management Associations Quality Control managements courses and has co-authored articles in Ceramic Age and Industrial Quality Control Magazine. Surviving him is his wife of 37 years; four daughters, Jody Stephanik, Chris Dana, Wendy Tully and Catherine Johnson; a son, Richard Jr.; and brother, Bill;and 8 grandchildren, all of the Northeast Ohio. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother, Deane. Calling hours will be Sunday 4-7:00 PM in the Arnold Funeral Home, Canton. Mr. Dana requested a private burial service with family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4815 Munson St.,NW, Canton, OH 44718. (Arnold 330-456-7291) www.arnoldfuneralhome.com