Santa Dan Harriman, 63, of Orange, passed away on October 26, 2014, at Harbor Hospice House in Beaumont.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am, Thursday, October 30, 2014, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Father Tom Phelan. Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00pm, with a Rosary recited at 7:00 pm, Wednesday October 29th at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Rochester, Michigan, on January 5, 1951, he was the son of John Willard Harriman and Helen (Bellairs) Harriman. Santa Dan was a founding member of the Lonestar Santa’s of Texas and was very involved in the community. Most recently he worked as an instructor for Lamar University teaching auto mechanics, he also taught at UTI in Houston and at Tyler Junior College. He was a member of many clubs and organizations such as; the Ham Radio Club of Orange, KC5GXL was his call sign, the South East Texas Astronomy Club, Orange Amateur Radio Club, a fly fishing club, and a train club. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Santa Dan was a woodworker, who favored making children’s furniture. He enjoyed organic gardening and traveling with his wife, they have traveled many places together. Santa Dan will be greatly missed by many throughout the community.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Willard Harriman, and two brothers, Roger Harriman and John Harriman, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Clause Harriman; mother, Helen (Bellairs) Harriman; children, Dawn Kilgore and husband, Gary of Houston, Daniel Harriman, Jr. and wife, Elizabeth of Orange, Michael Harriman of Houston, Kristine Lause of Findlay, Ohio, Kerri Lause Saulmon and husband, Michael of San Antonio; and his fur baby, Jake.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tiffany Kirk, Keliann, Kyle, Kenzi and Kevin Beall, Leo and Ozzie Saulmon, Jordan, Kara and Cole Kilgore, Cozie Gardner, Caden Harriman and Gracy Wehunt; great-grandchild, Piper; siblings Duane Harriman and wife, Sharon, Alan Harriman and wife, Dawn, Sherilyn Knickerbocker and husband, Jeff, and Rita Kelp and husband, Dennis.
Serving as pallbearers will be Daniel Harriman, Jr., Michael Harriman, Michael Saulmon, Kyle Beall, Stephen Smith, and Steve Broussard. Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Beall, Leo Saulmon and Ozzie Saulmon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the OCARC, 905 West Park, Orange, TX 77630.
The family of Santa Dan would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Southeast Texas Hospice and Harbor Hospice for all of their care and love during this difficult time.
Condolences
Claybar Funeral Home
November 13, 2014
Claybar Funeral Homes created a Tribute Video in memory of Santa Dan Harriman
Betty Miller
November 1, 2014
I'm sorry for your lost my prayers with be you and your family my God bless you keep you and family in my prayers from Betty miller
Doug Portwood
October 30, 2014
Rest in Peace Dan, your pain and suffering is over and your with the Lord now. You will continue to bring Love, Hope and Joy to everyone you touched as a person and especially as Santa. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Fran and family. Doug & Susan Portwood
Sherry K
October 30, 2014
I will miss everything about you, Dan. Your pain and suffering is over now and our loss begins. Gods comfort to all of us who love you, and extra strength to Fran who has lost her soul mate.
Wendy Harriman-Rivera
October 29, 2014
Wendy Harriman-Rivera lit a candle in memory of Santa Dan Harriman
Wendy Harriman-Rivera
October 29, 2014
My Uncle Dan will be missed!! I also looked forward to getting the Santa Christmas cards from Uncle Dan and Aunt Fran every year!! I actually think he convinced my kids that he really was Santa Claus one year!! Love always Wendy Harriman-Rivera
Lori White
October 29, 2014
Mr. and Mrs. Harriman are both very special people who have such sweet, giving spirits. I will miss those rosey cheeks and the huge smile that he had every time I saw him (even when he wasn't feeling well). Mrs. Harriman you are a special lady who I hold close to my heart and in my thoughts. I pray that you find comfort in knowing that his health is restored, he is feeling no pain, and he's watching over all of you. Hugs, Lori White
Brenda & Gary Moyer
October 29, 2014
Dan was truly a wonderful human being! He was infinitely kind, considerate and caring to all who were fortunate enough to be in his "orbit" here on earth. We feel honored to have known him, we cherish the times we spent with him and Frances Ann. He was one of a kind, and he was a wonderful friend, father, grandfather and husband. Dan will forever be missed. Frances, may your memories of the happy life you shared comfort you at this very difficult time. His love for you was true and strong, it was bright and shining for all to see. Rest in Peace, dear Dan. Your pain is over. Love Brenda & Gary Moyer
Anonymous
October 28, 2014
Sweet Tenderness was purchased for the family of Santa Dan Harriman.
Rita Kelp
October 28, 2014
Dan .. so many laughs , talks, and good memories .. so many times of teasing as a big brother does .. I have always been proud to call you my oldest brother, the leader of our siblings .. You were strong, funny, intelligent , sincere, and enjoyed life .. You have been in my life for (29) years and will be in my heart forever .. I'm proud of who you have become and proud of all your accomplishments .. You will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved you .. .. In my heart always ... Rita ...
Gail Hood Bothwell
October 28, 2014
To Dan's family....I will miss his memories of Rochester Mi. His discussions on Facebook were always informative & thoughtful. Prayers for you all. Gail Hood Bothwell, Rochester MI.