Dan Richard Barry

DAN RICHARD BARRY, 77, of Freeport, Texas, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024. Dan was born September 13, 1946 in Houston, Texas, to Allen and Myrtle Barry. Dan attended Stephen F. Austin High School, where he was active in the FFA and the Texas Youth Rodeo Association all 4 years. After graduating in 1965, Dan briefly attended Sam Houston State. Finding college did not suit him, Dan returned to Houston to begin his career, like his father before him, as a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Even then, Dan continued to rodeo, riding broncs and bulls, and protecting riders as a rodeo clown. In 1970, Dan was the Champion Saddle Bronc Rider at the Sam Houston State Technical College open rodeo. Dan worked as a Letter Carrier for 35 years, beginning his career at the Westheimer Station and later moving to Ashford West where he served for many years as the Union Steward for NACL Branch 283. A friend remembered that it was sometimes a thankless job, but "Dan had a way of getting problems resolved." In 2019, Dan received his Gold Card commemorating 50 years of membership in the National Association of Letter Carriers. Dan lived in Houston until 1995, when he moved with his family to New Ulm to enjoy the peace of the country. But, after retiring from the Post Office, Dan got himself to the coast as quickly as he could so he could enjoy his favorite pastime -- saltwater fishing. Dan found a home on the canal in Freeport, complete with a boat slip, fishing right outside the door, and just minutes from Surfside Beach. And, with a little time on his hands, Dan began working for the City of Surfside and, later, delivering The Source Weekly newspaper around Lake Jackson. Dan loved fishing, football, Astros baseball, and Willie Nelson. Dan was a member of AA, regularly attending and leading meetings. 19 years sober, he never forgot to take things one day at a time and helped many people along the way. Dan is survived by his brother, Don A. Barry (Jane) of San Benito; daughter, Renee Barry, of Waller; daughter, Robin Barry, of La Grange; son, Don A. Barry, II (Michelle), of Fayetteville, AR, and their children Stryker and Zander; granddaughter, Lauren Barrett (Austin), of Brenham, and their children, Reagan, Killian, Liam, Jackson, and one on the way; and his nephews, Richard (Christine) and Robert (Courtney) and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Allen Barry, of Houston.

Dan Richard Barry

September 13, 1946 - July 26, 2024