Dana Scott Bartlett

Dana Scott Bartlett, age 68, of Springdale, Arkansas, died at home on August 10, 2026. Born in Augusta, Maine, on June 11, 1958, to Robert Wellwood Bartlett and Margaret Strickland Bartlett, he was named after his beloved grandfather, Dana Bartlett, and was known to everyone as “Scott.” In his early years, he grew up near the State Capitol building, where he visited his dad at work and loved playing football with his friends. He also ran a paper route and became an Eagle Scout. Scott’s passion for hunting and fishing began early and was shared with all the men in his family. He bagged his first deer in 1971 and hung the antlers proudly next to his blaze orange “Biggest Bucks in Maine Club” hunting jacket. In sixth grade, Scott met his best friend, Dan Bickford. By high school, they would co-own a 1968 Ford F-150 pickup, which they used to get to hockey practice and school and to create all sorts of mischief. It was a Maine life, and Scott was always grateful for his home state. Like his dad and grandad, Scott envisioned life in the Navy. He won a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship and set out for Auburn University, where he earned a degree in finance. His plans changed when his dad, Bob, became terminally ill, and the Navy honorably discharged him to return to his home in Augusta. Not knowing how his career path would unfold, the food service business found Scott, and he never looked back. He became a sales representative for J. Kirschner Co. in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. He thrived on strategic planning and execution. When Bryan Foods (a division of Sara Lee) needed a territory sales manager, Scott was recruited to fill the position by a former boss. He went on to win the Bryan Pinnacle Club Award. His exceptional skills and work ethic eventually led him to sales management positions at Pace Picante, National Steak & Poultry, and JBS. Toward the end of his career as the Director of Military and Government Sales for Tyson Foods, he was exceptionally proud to guide the company to become the number one food supplier to the U.S. military. Beyond his personal achievements, Scott mentored and coached sales teams with extraordinary skill. He hated for anyone to lose, and just as he had been given an opportunity early on, he thrived in helping aspiring team members to reach their full potential. No one ever told a story better than Scott, and he was sure yours had a happy ending. He was an encourager at heart. When Scott was not working, he was hunting and fishing. His “tall tales” and quick wit entertained family and friends for years. He relocated to Oklahoma, and when asked why he took the position, he answered, “I can hunt and fish near Lake Skiatook.” His wife, Jan, was taken for a literal test run up Turkey Creek and became firmly convinced that he would never have married her if it had not gone according to plan. Eventually, the two would reel in many bass on multiple fishing expeditions throughout the country. He loved an adventure of any kind and traveled the world. Always an avid tennis player, Scott took up the new sport of Pickleball after retirement. At the end of the first lesson, he announced he was going to become a certified instructor and set out to achieve that goal. He eventually became a PPR Level 2 Certified Instructor. Joining forces with The Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas, he offered clinics and private lessons and played every week with competitive friends. Scott loved going to see his clients play in tournaments, and he made many close friends on and off the court. In addition to pickleball and fishing, Scott and Jan enjoyed traveling, hiking, and cooking for friends and family. Scott is survived by his wife, Jan Skaggs Bartlett; his sister, Nancy Bartlett; his nieces, Stephanie Ridley (Abby, Roslyn, and Sailor) and Laura Bolton ( son Gentry Cantrell); his nephew, Alan Bolton and his wife, Jennifer (Braden and Christian); and his dear friend, Lisa Waschka. Scott always “showed up” for his family and friends, especially if they were disheartened. There was never any doubt that Scott was the most optimistic person in the room. A Celebration of Life honoring Scott will be held on October 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. in The Jones Center, 922 E. Emma Ave., Springdale, AR 72764. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://woundedwarriorproject.org), in honor of Dana Scott Bartlett.

Dana Scott Bartlett

June 11, 1958 - August 10, 2026