Daniel A. Dunn

1958 - 2022

Daniel A. Dunn

June 3, 1958 - January 3, 2022. Dan Dunn, after defying all odds and living to an unheard age of 63 for someone with Downs Syndrome. Dementia finally took our cowboy from us.

Dan was born in Houston, Texas and spent most of his life in Porter, Texas. Dan was a cowboy from the start. He always dressed in full cowboy gear and sometimes vest and chaps. He was John Wayne in a Down Syndrome body, but that didn't affect the way he lived.

On any day, you would find him heading out to rope. If he couldn't find his rope, he might 'borrow' his cousin Skippers rope from the barn. He never met a stranger or anyone that he didn't know or like. His favorite phrases were 'I know you' or 'a long time ago'. He was always the first one out the door to greet whoever came over and the first to offer you some of his famous Dan Dunn Tea.

During the day, he would get on the golf cart and go visiting the relatives on the farm in Porter, passing by the pasture with cows and horses. He was the first, if not the only one, to take a cold drink or a cool towel to those working on the farm that needed it or he felt needed it. To occupy his time, he would go swimming, take out the trash and, most importantly, get the mail. His kind heart, not wanting to disappoint his Mother if there was no mail, would simply go to another mail box and give her someone else's mail.

Nothing made Dan happier than our family gatherings at the family Rec Hall. Here, we would have family celebrations throughout the year. We could have as many as 100+ or as few as a dozen, but Dan was always so happy seeing everyone and you could see that family was everything to him. Many family members have a special Dan Story to tell that made him special to that person, such as:

Going to the Houston Rodeo every year, decked out in his finest cowboy outfits, complete with rodeo badge and maybe a sheriff badge as well. He would whoop it up for all the cowboys and then stand up and dance as Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson or George Strait performed. He could out dance anyone. Every tipsy woman who wanted to dance, Dan was ready to give them a whirl.

Every year for his birthday, the family would plan a trip to the San Luis Hotel in Galveston. This was the only time Dan took off his hat and donned beach wear. He would call himself Thomas Magnum or Chuck Norris or Longmire. He would drink tea at the swim up bar and pretend he was drunk. He would offer to buy everyone there a round of drinks and dance with every person. Always so happy and the life of the party.

He would tell jokes, only he understood and laugh hysterically. He would whisper secrets to whoever was next to him and tell them not to tell anybody.

Dan taught many relatives to rope, even strangers. When some of the young cousins would bother him, he was liable to rope you right off of your bike or motorcycle. He really was an excellent roper.

He must have asked over 100 women to marry him, as his Mom and him saw so many Lifetime movies, that he was supposed to propose to any female he liked.

He loved his Mother like no other, always hugging her and calling her his Teddy Bear.

Always wanting to be part of the conversation, even if he couldn't quite follow what people were talking about. His heart was always in the right place.

Dan was a simple man that got and gave joy to everyone that knew him. Everyone could learn to live a life fulfilled from his example and his presence and spirit. He will be greatly missed, but his memories will go on forever in our hearts.

Survived by his beloved Mother, Mary Dunn; Sisters Norma Jean 'Jeannie' (Mickey Leisure) and Donna (Robert Gross). Nephews Thomas 'TAP' Langeland (Jason), Robert Gross III (daughter Savannah), Austin Langeland (daughter Ryelee), Matthew Gross (Stephanie) and daughter Layla, John Langeland (Caitlin). Niece Jeannie Marie (Bryan Carl) and son Parker Carl. Many other relatives, too numerous to mention.

Preceded in Death by his Father, Thurman J. Dunn.

Due to the pandemic restrictions and elderly relatives, no service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, if you meet someone special, take the time to say hello or wave, as you may be meeting a true cowboy or hero.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Colonial Gardens Memory Care in Austin Texas for letting Dan remain a cowboy and keep his dignity to the end. Also, Valerian Home Care and Hospice for their kindness and assistance.