Daniel "Dan" Herbert Dark

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.