Dr. J. P. Dane, 96, passed away April 12, 2013. Faithful servant of God, beloved son, brother, Daddy, Dad, Granddaddy and husband to the love of his life and wife of 70 years, Mildred. He was born in Denning, AR to Preston and Jennie May (Adams) Dane. In 1945 he graduated from OBU, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned a Bachelor of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX in 1952; a Master of Theology from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO in 1953; and a Dr. of Theology also from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in 1955. Dr. Dane was ordained to the ministry on August 17, 1941 at Springdale Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK. In order to prepare for a lifetime of service to the Lord, he and his devoted wife, Mildred, attended Oklahoma Baptist University from 1941-1945. While at OBU Dr. Dane was President of the student body and Mildred was Harvest Queen, the only married couple in the history of OBU to receive these honors. During his years of faithful service he pastored churches in Oklahoma at Tulsa, Mannford, Prague, Cromwell, Wilson, Pawhuska and Oklahoma City. He also served as pastor in Springfield, MO. At the time of his passing he was Pastor Emeritus of Portland Ave. Baptist Church, OKC. From 1958-63, Dr. Dane was Chairman of the Bible Dept. at OBU and from 1972-81 was Director of Religious Activities and Chairman of the Religion Dept. at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. In 1969 and 1970 he served as President of the Baptist Convention of Oklahoma, the first person to serve two consecutive terms. Dr. Dane received numerous awards and honors including the Profile in Excellence and Alumni Achievement Awards from OBU. J.P. and his loving wife Mildred (Austin) were united in marriage Nov. 17, 1939 in Tulsa. They were married for 70 years until Mildred's death in 2010. During their marriage they followed the "J.O.Y." principle. Jesus, first; others, second; you, last. As a couple, J.P. and Mildred were an inspiration to many young preachers and their wives. Preceding him in death were his parents, his five brothers, sister and his wife, Mildred. Dr. Dane is survived by daughter, Linda Crafton, OKC; son Austin Dane, AZ; grandchildren Sherry, John and Kyle; great-grandchildren Chase, Jordon, Zach and Eden; great-great-granddaughter Erin; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and countless friends. Memorials may be made to Portland Ave. Baptist Church or Baptist Village of Oklahoma City (Adams Fund). Viewing will be Tuesday, 8am-9pm with the family receiving guests from 6pm-8pm at Mercer-Adams in Bethany. Service will be Wed., April 17, 1:00pm at Portland Ave. Baptist Church with interment in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all who have loved and cared for J.P. and Mildred over the years. A special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Baptist Village and to the faithful members, past and present, of Portland Ave. Baptist Church. Funeral Service Wednesday, April 17, 2013 01:00 PM Portland Avenue Baptist Church 1301 N. Portland Avenue Oklahoma City, OK