Dan William Reagan

Dan William Reagan, of George West, Texas, loved and respected by so many, was called home to be with his Lord, Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the age of 89.

Dan was born March 28, 1934 in Cotulla, Texas to Green Pryor Reagan and Louise (Wofford) Reagan. He spent his childhood and most of his youth on the Dougherty Ranch north of Raymondville. Just before his sophomore year of high school, his family moved to George West where Dan graduated in 1952. Dan attended Texas A&I in Kingsville for two years then entered the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country before returning to Texas A&I where he earned his BS in Agriculture and met the shy Vivian Barth. On Dec. 20, 1958, he and Vivian were married at First Baptist Church in Edcouch, Texas. Dan and Vivian celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary in December.

Dan’s career journey is marked by his dedication to education and his remarkable contribution to his community. His teaching career started in Tilden in 1958. Ten years later, the family moved to the valley when he was hired by Region One Educational Service Center to teach driver’s education all over the Rio Grande Valley. After his children left for college, he and Vivian added a second job by becoming house parents for Buckner’s Children’s Home. In 1990, he retired, and they moved to George West. A few years later, he came out of retirement to teach Special Education for St. Mary’s Charter School in Beeville. Dan had a strong impact on so many young people throughout his years in the classroom. 

Dan’s faith was of the utmost importance to him. He exemplified what it means to be a Christian. He loved meeting people and sharing stories. In addition to being a mentor and role model to many, he found numerous ways to serve. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church Edinburg and First Baptist Church George West. He volunteered at several area nursing homes by entertaining them with his music. He was an amazing musician and songwriter. Although he couldn’t read music, he learned to play many instruments, but his favorite was the guitar. He would volunteer to teach anyone who wanted to learn. In another capacity, Dan was a member of the Gideon’s organization, purchasing and distributing bibles to school children, hospitals and hotels. In addition, he would fill in the pulpit to preach on occasion and was honored to officiate at his grandson’s (Jacob) wedding.  He was also a longtime member of the George West Lions Club.

All of his life, Dan was a real cowboy. His fondest memories and the source of many of his stories are the years he spent working cattle and living on the ranch. His grandchildren will always remember the time he spent with them, giving them rides in a trailer pulled by the lawnmower, playing games, and playing music (or what he called “making racket”). Later in life, he truly enjoyed the simple things in life like sitting on the porch drinking coffee with Vivian and trying to spot a scissortail. It was only made better if friends or family stopped by to have a cup with him.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Pryor and Louise Reagan; his sister, Charleen Brown; and three brothers, Clyde, Gene and Pat.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Vivian Reagan of George West; a daughter, Patti & husband Dale Patterson of Tilden; two sons, Dan Jr. & wife Angela of McAllen and Clyde & wife Hysa of Kerrville; brother-in-law, Elroy Pavlovich; sisters-in-law, Joann Pavlovich and Marilyn Reagan. He was also blessed with eight grandchildren, Charlotte Hope Reagan, Laura Grace Reagan (Sydney), Brice Patterson (Lauren), Blaine Patterson, Brandon Patterson (Courtney), Jacob Reagan (Sabrina), Miranda Conley (Chris) and Joanna Reagan; 10 great-grandchildren, Hayden Nolan, Hazel Patterson, Avett Patterson, Matilda Patterson, Fitz Patterson, Arabella Reagan, Annarose Reagan, Aurora Reagan, Ellora Reagan and soon to arrive, Kirby Jo Conley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 15, at Galloway & Sons Chapel in George West.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, February 16, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Wayne Barth, Rev. Bob Hendrick and Rev. Bruce Irving officiating. Burial will follow in the George West Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brice Patterson, Blaine Patterson, Brandon Patterson, Jacob Reagan, Chris Conley and Sydney Nolan.