Danny L. Dearen, Sr., 83, passed away on September 25, 2016. He served in the Korean War for 19 months with the United States Army. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned a Master’s degree and PhD in education from ASU. He served for 25 years as an officer and Executive Vice President of the Samaritan Health System. He was also a professor in the Healthcare Management program in the College of Business at ASU. Dan was instrumental in founding AirEvac, which was a statewide medical transport system. He was also involved in the development of Phoenix Children's Hospital. Prior to entering the healthcare field, Dan served as a teacher, secondary school counselor and psychologist, and, later, as a principal and consultant. Dan is survived by his companion, Gail Christine Birkeland, a daughter and son, six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren plus nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Lynn, who died in 2007, and a daughter.