Dan spent most of his boyhood in Houston, with brief interludes spent in Louisiana, where the rich and interesting culture fascinated him. Dan graduated from San Jacinto High School with highest honors, giving the valedictory address. Shortly before graduating, he won the Houston Interscholastic League debate championship which as a young man he considered one of his highest honors and proudest achievements.
Dan worked his way through the University of Texas where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1953 and a master's in economics in 1956. By the time he had completed his masters, he knew he was interested in academia, having enjoyed studying under great pioneers and thinkers in the field of Economics, which would become his life's work and passion. He graduated with high honors and was active in extracurricular activities while on campus. He served as a Senator in the Student Assembly and Chair of the International Council. He was in Beta Gamma Sigma, a business honor fraternity; Alpha Phi Omega, a service organization; Silver Spurs, an honorary organization; and Theleme Co-op, where he lived while on campus and where he made many lifelong friends.
It was during his time at the University that Dan met, and fell in love with, Mary Lillian Blasingame while he was serving on the International Council. They were married in Wharton, Mary's hometown, in October 1956 and shared over sixty happy years.
Mary and Dan moved to Wisconsin where Dan earned a PhD. in economics in 1962 from the University of Wisconsin. In 1958 while they were there, their son, Robert, was born. Life in Wisconsin was a new and wonderful chapter for Dan and Mary, and Dan was thrilled and honored to be studying under great professors in an academic department he had sought out with such intention. As he had hoped, Dan's focus on labor economics and public sector economics were honed in this collegial environment.
Following his PhD. work at Wisconsin, Dan returned to Austin at the invitation of members of the Economics Department who had admired Dan and his work, and he became a professor of Economics at the University of Texas. He taught from 1961 -2000, retiring as professor emeritus.
In 1962, soon after Dan and Mary returned to Austin, their daughter, Rebecca, was born. The family enjoyed sharing many happy days living near the campus, near Eastwoods Park, and later in Tarrytown. They enjoyed friendships and collegial relationships in a smaller version of Austin.
In his tenure at the University of Texas, Dan published three books and a number of scientific articles, delivered a number of academic papers, wrote Supreme Court depositions and was twice selected as one of UT's ten best professors. He also served as an advisor to a number of governmental entities both in Texas and Wisconsin. Dan was especially proud of his work on issues of equity and civil rights.
During his tenure, "Dr. Morgan" was often a favorite professor in the role of Graduate Advisor, and helped launch, guide, and encourage many nascent careers. He supervised many theses and sat on Ph.D. committees. Many political and social leaders cite Dan's influence and passion as the inspiration and starting point for their own life's work, and this was a source of pride to Dan. Many of Dan's graduate students remain lifelong friends. Though very modest about his own accomplishments, Dan's influence was profound and enduring, and the many lives he touched were changed for the better. His many students were never shy about expressing their gratitude and admiration, and, through their work and attitudes, "Dr. Morgan's" great passions and aspirations to make the world a fairer and more equitable place will be carried on into the future.
Dan is survived by his wife, Mary, his son, Robert, and his partner, Max Harney, his daughter, Rebecca, and her husband, Joe Dolinar, his sister, Ann Morgan, and by many members of his extended family.
Dan was a dedicated teacher, a loyal friend, a devoted husband, father and brother. He enriched our lives and he will be sorely missed.
Honorary Pallbearers: Mr. Max Harney, Mr. Duane Harney, Mr. Joe Dolinar, Dr. Doug Dacy, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Dr. Bill Glade, Dr. Vince Geraci, Dr. Tom Jannuzi, Mr. Stan Johanson, The Reverend Bob Kinney, Mr. Jody Pessara.
Visitation hours are 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 13 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd., Austin.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 209 W. 27th, Austin.
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