David Cryan

Dan "David" Cryan, beloved and trusted father to six children and two step-daughters, "Poppi" to 19 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, brother, uncle, friend, and husband died peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2024, surrounded by family.
David was blessed with tremendous business acumen, which he developed early at St. Thomas Catholic High School in Houston. He put himself through college, all while supporting his young family, and in true David Cryan fashion, he passed the bar exam and received his license to practice law before he actually received his law degree. He ultimately received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston in 1966, the year after he received his license. He was proud of this accomplishment, and despite not practicing law on a regular basis after he moved to Sealy, he continued to keep his law license in good standing for the rest of his life. He also ventured into banking, serving as president of Fidelity Bank and Trust, and later built a successful construction and real estate development company all the while always having his hand in the cattle business. At one point during the late 70s and early 80s, in addition to the ranch in Sealy, he also had large cattle ranches in Reserve, New Mexico, and South Texas.
David was committed to the vitality of Sealy and Austin County, where he has called home since 1971. He developed neighborhoods across the area, which are now homes for a multitude of families. He built a beautiful ranch in the early 1970s and raised cattle, horses, ducks, geese, chickens, guineas, peacocks, whitetail deer, and more. He was an avid hunter in his younger years and loved the outdoors, sunrises, and driving the country roads in his pickup looking at real estate and checking his cattle.
In 2011, he purchased land in Victoria County where he built his beloved Boondock Ranch. He loved spending the weekends there checking the cattle and watching the deer. After he stopped driving, he always wanted to go to Boondock, even if it was only a day trip.
A true man of faith and as a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, he oversaw the renovation of the church completed in 2005. Being the chairman of the building committee was one of his proudest accomplishments. He was also the driving force behind developing and building the Jacqueline A. Cryan Memorial Park in Sealy, in memory of his beloved wife of 37 years. He worked tirelessly for several years to make that dream become a reality. The park along with the Irene LeBlanc pool was officially completed and dedicated in May of 2012.
He had a smile that lit up the room and was a definite presence wherever he showed up. David was true to life, soulful, competitive, opinionated, passionate, loving, and generous, and touched the hearts and lives of all who knew him.
Dan David Cryan was born December 29, 1938, to Kenneth and Hildreth Cryan in Houston Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Jamie Cryan; his brother Casey Cryan of Sealy; and step-mother Shirley Cryan.
Children: Leigh Ann McCoy of Austin, Cathy Gips of Austin, Dan Cryan (Rene) of Sealy, Ken Cryan (Trudy) of Sealy, Kirk Cryan (Susan) of Cypress, Stephen Cryan (Amy) of Sealy, Tonya Scott (Randall) of Dallas, and Kelli Vecera (Carter) of Austin.
Grandchildren: Christine Madison, Lauren McCoy, Ashley Cryan, Austin Cryan, AJ Cryan, Trey Cryan, Patrick Cryan, Brett Cryan, Kayleen Moseley, Kendra Fitzhenry, Preston Cryan, Carter Cryan, Emersyn Cryan, Weston Cryan, Harrison Whitzel, Matthew Whitzel, Molly Whitzel, Paul Vecera, and John Vecera, along with 11 great-grandchildren (with one on the way!) and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Jackie, and sister Loretta.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
608 – 5th Street
Sealy, TX 77474
Jacqueline A. Cryan Foundation
P.O. Box 790
Sealy, TX 77474