Daniel “Dan” Herbert Dark, 65, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on August 21, 2020, at his home surrounded by family.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 23, 2020, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont. Officiating will be his brother-in-law, Nathan James.
Visitation will begin prior to the service, at 1:30 p.m., at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont.
Born in Beaumont, Texas, on December 18, 1954, he was the son of Jack Dark and Edra Dark. Dan was a preacher and counselor who helped many people during hard times in their life. Once he retired from the pastorate, he taught history and coached tennis in Lumberton and then Port Arthur. Dan was passionate about teaching and mentoring his students, athletes, and children. He loved being outdoors and particularly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. Dan also loved to work on projects around the house and in the yard with his boys. He was known for his loud laugh, encouraging spirit, and determination. There was never a place for negativity in Dan’s life and when he set his mind to something, he would not stop until he achieved it. Even through his eight-month battle with cancer, he continued to be a shining light in the lives of those around him. Dan was a wonderful husband, father, and grandad who adored his family members. Although he was very secure in his faith, he did not want to leave his family until the very end. Dan chose to donate his body to The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to be able to continue teaching and helping others.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Edra Dark.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Priscilla James Dark of Beaumont; his children, Jonathan Dark of Washington, James Dark and wife Tesha Guillary of New Mexico, Miriam Busch and husband Greg of The Woodlands, Rachel Clinton and husband Chris of Beaumont, Joseph Dark and wife Brooke of Beaumont, and Jason Dark and wife Danielle of Georgia; and his grandchildren, Noah Dark, Henry Dark, Jackson Dark, Sloane Dark, Ivy Dark, Abigail Busch, Daniel Busch, John Busch, Levi Clinton, Ethan Clinton, and Judah Dark.
Condolences
Jerry Heiple
September 1, 2020
Our prayers are lifting up the Dark family. We can have confidence through Christ he has obtained fullness of joy now in the presence of our Lord. I remember Danny from the year he roomed in the Kermitage off campus, in room couple doors away. I remember him completing Dr Jensen bible study assignments in Greek, simply because of his passion, and excitement in understanding the Word of God. Also was a friend to all.
Charlie Goodman
September 1, 2020
My prayers go out to Danny’s family. Danny and I were at Bryan at the same time and were roommates one summer in Dayton. We talked and shared a lot that summer. He was so fun and honest. May the peace of Christ guard your hearts and mind during this grieving process.
Mr Dan Camp
September 1, 2020
I echo my Bachelors till the Rapture brothers, Roger, Paul, and Jim, about how awesome it was to be at WJBC with my fellow Danny. I am very grateful to Mrs PK Hall of BC Alumni for advising me of our brother’s Homegoing and Promotion (Phil1v21). Mr Argo will be cooking for him, and Dan will be totally PWC now (Preoccupied with Christ)! Billy Hardy (NC) and I were proud to pave the way to BC Tennis for you guys! I am so delighted that Dan became a minister of the Gospel of Jesus’ Grace. Mrs Sherry and I are lifting up the entire extended family with 2Cor12 Confidence!
Jim Glover
September 1, 2020
Danny was one of those guys that we all wanted to be like. He had everything and yet he was as modest as any man I ever knew. He seem to bypass a lot of the craziness that the rest of us went through in college and was a solid Christian that we all looked up to. There is no doubt where he is now in my prayers go to his family during this time.
Roger Woodring
September 1, 2020
So sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. Dan was a year ahead of me at Bryan College, but he is the kind of person you will never forget. He was a true Christian and Texan. Loved his attitude towards life and he had a great personality. Always considered him a friend at college. My prayers for his wife and family.
Paul Combs
August 31, 2020
I am a former classmate of Danny Dark at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. While Danny was not the best tennis player on our team, no other player had the heart to win like Dan did. I was so blessed to learn that after much suffering the Heavenly Graduation of Danny Dark has occurred. Isn't our Heavenly Father so full of grace?!?! I actually had a dream of him recently and we were playing tennis like we use to at Bryan. One of my favorite memories of Danny is the time when he woke my brother, Mark, and I up (we were room mates) beating on the walls and doors of our dorm in late November on the day of the North vs. South annual football game. If I remember correctly, he was carried off the field due to a concussion and taken to the Rhea Co. Hospital. I am sure he brought that same energy to his after college life. Great memories.
Kent Shaffer
August 23, 2020
To the family of Danny Dark, I am very Sorry to see Danny leave so young. He and I were friends at French High School. He was a very good man and even though we did not keep up with each other, I consider him a very good friend. To Danny, job well done my brother, you rest now and we will take it from here and see you later..... Kent Shaffer { father of Katy Shaffer }
Anna Bartsch
August 23, 2020
2 files added to the album Memorial High School
Janel Finch Barrow
August 22, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family of Dan Dark. My thoughts and prayers are with you Priscilla and your children. Danny was such a presence and friend to the Purdom Family.
Janel Finch Barrow and family