Republican Party of Texas Chairman, Steve Munisteri, issued the following statement on the passing of Dan McCool:

“I was saddened to learn today of the passing of SREC member Dan McCool. I had the privilege of speaking multiple times to the Republican club which Dan was a member of. He was a dedicated and hard working Republican who will be sorely missed by the party and I was looking forward to working with Dan who was just elected last Friday to the State Republican Executive Committee. On behalf of the Republican Party of Texas I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to Dan’s family, loved ones, and friends. He will be missed.” – Steve Munisteri, RPT Chairman

Daniel Raymond McCool, Sr. was born in Pittsburg, KS on October 19, 1962. He went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 12, 2014.

Preceded in death by his father Delbert McCool, Sr., stepmother Yvonne Thorman, and brother Michael Ketchum.

Survived by his four children: Daniel Jr., Kayla, Jacob, and Abigail, granddaughter Lily and a grandson due in October. He is also survived by his mother Elizabeth Bench of Pittsburg, KS, Brothers: Delbert McCool, Jr. of Austin, TX, Richard McCool of San Antonio, TX, Albert McCool of Pittsburg, KS, Eric McCool of San Antonio, TX, and Darrell Ketchum of Pasadena, TX. Sisters: Debra McCool Moyer of Springfield, Mo., Sheree McCool of Houston, TX, Patti Ketchum Runchy of Pasadena, TX, and Renee Ketchum of Cypress, TX., sisters in-law, brother in-law, nephews, nieces and extended family.

He spent most of his life in the southeast Houston/Deer Park/Pasadena area. He graduated from Deer Park High School in 1980 and enlisted in the Army while he was still 17 years old. While in Germany, he was named the Soldier of the Year.

He was currently employed as a Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy, a position he held for 24 years. He earned a Master Peace Officer Certification, a Certified Crime Prevention Specialist in (DWI), Firearms, Rape Aggression Defense (RAD), just to name a few. He was certified as a Bloodhound Handler, Police Motorcycles, Aerial Law Enforcement Response Team, Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician, several watercraft certifications, and many other diverse specialties related to patrol and investigations. He developed education programs in Methamphetamine, Cyber-Crimes, Identity Theft, and Community Orientated Policing. Click here to read the full obituary.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 18th at 10:00 AM at Grace Community Church in Houston with a visitation from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Forest Park East Funeral Home in Webster, TX on Tuesday.