Dan J. Moran, Jr.

Dan J. Moran, Jr., 86, of Brenham, Texas, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2012 in Houston, Texas. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Dan and Marie Moran on July 29, 1926. The family lived in Oklahoma and New York before settling in Houston in 1934. After attending St. Thomas High School and Rice University, Dan obtained his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston. Dan was a US Navy veteran having served two years during WW II. On November 6, 1954, Dan married Carolyn J. Farrell in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Houston, Texas.

After spending time working in the seismic field, and oil field services, Dan obtained his Real Estate License as well as a Group I Life Insurance License which led him to represent American General, American Capitol and later Southwest Securities. Dan became a rancher, real estate and securities investor, and established his ranch Poco Mo north of Brenham. Spending time at Poco Mo brought him back to his upbringing. Many days of his youth had been spent developing a love for the country life at the family’s Mo-Ranch (now the Mo-Ranch Presbyterian Conference Center) near Hunt, Texas.

Dan Moran set a wonderful example to all, he invested himself in many community and cultural endeavors, serving on boards, councils and as a member to many service organizations including; Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Winedale Historical Center (Life Member), Brenham Rotary Club since 1976, Arts Council of Washington County since 1981, Heritage Society of Washington County, (since 1977, Life Member), A Texas Patriot with Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association, Washington County Council, St. Thomas High School Foundation, and Independence Heritage Society.

Most dear to Dan was his commitment to the Catholic faith. A lifelong member of the Church, Dan served on the board of St. Mary’s Finance Committee for many years. He also served as a Eucharistic minister. Dan set a wonderful example of living out his faith and was an inspiration to all.

A member of the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International since 1971, Dan served as director for six years and president for three years of the Mid-Coast Association, an affiliate of S.G.B.I. as well as being active for many years with the Washington County Fair, lending his support to the Calf Scramble Program, Jr. Livestock Auction, and Fair Committee for the Santa Gertrudis Open Show.

Surviving family include: the absolute love of his life wife, Carolyn of Brenham; daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Larry Chambers of New Hampshire, Mary Anne and Shannon Smith of Austin, Carrie and Shawn Derkowski of Brenham; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Traci Moran of Brenham; grandchildren, Sally and Chris Chambers, Austin and Brayden Derkowski, Dusty and Kaci Morgan; along with special nieces, Nancy Tusa, Tricia Civitello, Eloise Byrd and Sally Edmundson.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, son Dan J, Moran, III, daughter Catherine Moran Ziess, as well as sister and brother-in-law Francese and Dr. Theo Tusa.

On Monday, August 13, 2012, the family will receive friends at the Brenham Memorial Chapel at 5:30 p.m., recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Brenham, Texas with Rev. Leon Streeder and Rev. Ernesto Elizondo. Burial will follow near his beloved Poco Mo in the Oak Rest Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be, Michael Hindman, Burke O’Rourke, Bill Pennybacker, Dr. Ed Heyne, Lance Weatherby, Phil Edmundson, Tom Byrd, Rob Civitello, Jim Farsey, Jeff Zeiss, George Ayres, Steve James, Pat O’Malley and Donald Spiess. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ed Kitts, Ed Fay, Bob Gonsoulin and the International Lunch Bunch, including, Paul LaRoche, Cam Guillett, Bill Anger, Stuart Phelps, Allen Commander, Jim Ellison, Charles Moser, Gene Hammons, Mike Shoup, Sy Whitehead, Gerry Kyle and Field Emerson.

The Moran family wishes to extend special thanks to the caring staff of the Liberty Dialysis Center-Brenham. Their support and compassion will never be forgotten.

For those who desire, memorial contributions may be directed to Liberty Dialysis Center of Brenham or the youth group of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979-836-3611 Condolences may be sent online to www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.