Daniel Wayne Dittrich

Daniel Wayne Dittrich, a devoted and adventurous soul, passed away on November 21, 2025, at the age of 57. Born on September 2, 1968, in Houston, Texas, Daniel was a loving son to Alton and Helen Dittrich. He spent his formative years in Bay City, Texas, where he graduated from Bay City High School in 1986. He furthered his education at Wharton County Junior College while working part-time at Mardis Auto Parts before enlisting in the Air Force in 1988.

Major Daniel W. Dittrich had a distinguished military career as an Assistant Operations Officer for the 670th Global Mobility Squadron at Travis AFB, CA. His responsibilities included overseeing the Aircraft Maintenance Flight and participating in global combat, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief missions. Throughout his service, Major Dittrich held various roles, including Aircraft Mechanic, Dedicated Crew Chief, and Maintenance Craftsman. He served in operations such as JUST CAUSE, DESERT SHIELD/STORM, and ENDURING FREEDOM, earning numerous military accolades including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Aerial Achievement Medal. He earned many degrees, the last being a Master in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He always encouraged other servicemen to further their career and go above and beyond.

After retiring from the Air Force as a Major at the age of 44, Dan built a home in Palacios, Texas, where he cherished the view of Carancahua Bay. He worked at Formosa in Port Lavaca and later at the Texas Department of Transportation in Yoakum, Texas, before retiring fully to enjoy life on his own terms with his loving wife, Elaine and his rescued coon hound companion, Boomer.

Dan and Elaine Neve were engaged on March 14, 2001, and married on July 5, 2001. He was a kind-hearted and loyal husband, friend, and family member. Preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Helen Dittrich, Dan is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Dittrich, his sister Diana Nickell and her husband Don, and his nephew, Jacob Nickell. He also leaves behind siblings Diane Riminiscenza, Lindsay McNeil, and Ryan McNeil.

Dan was passionate about travel, history, and genealogy. He traced his lineage to John Tilley of the Mayflower and was a proud member of the Texas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. An active individual, he enjoyed flying, fishing, working out, and practicing Jeet Kune Do. He was also a devoted dog rescuer, with his last companion being Poppy, a blue tick coon hound who was with him when he took his final step on this earth.

A member of the Society of Freemasons and the Fraternity of Shriners, Dan was also a former president of his local community association. His legacy is one of service, love, and wisdom, remembered through his contributions to family, friends, and his country.

The family expresses deep gratitude for the overwhelming support received from friends, neighbors, and fellow Freemasons. Special thanks to Robert Johs, Larry Schroeder, Dwayne Smallwood, Frank Diggs, Everett Woods, and Air Force brothers Jonathan Cross and Will Fanger for their unwavering support during this difficult time.

A Visitation will take place on December 11, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the American Heritage Funeral Home in Houston, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 12, 2025, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the same venue, followed by a Committal Service at Houston National Cemetery from 12:45 pm to 1:15 pm. Immediately following the Military Honors Committal service, the family would like to extend an invitation to join them for a catered reception in the banquet room located at American Heritage.

We encourage family and friends to submit a favorite memory/story or something about Dan they admired the most as Dan would always say flowers are a waste of money.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners Children’s at https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/give/716571/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=shrinerschildrens&c_src2=main-nav) or The Mayflower Society at [The Mayflower Society Donation](https://themayflowersociety.org/donate/).