Donald Francis "Don" Dargen

Donald Francis Dargen, 93, went to be with the Lord, his wife Mary Grace, and daughter Karen Dargen Phillips on March 6, 2015. He was born April 7, 1921 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, son of Ada Glassbrook Dargen and William Francis Dargen. He was a graduate of the University of South Dakota, served as an aerial gunner with the U.S. Air Force during World War II, retired from Texaco after 35 years of service in various capacities both foreign and domestic. He was a charter member of St. Jerome Catholic Church and was a member of the National Physics Honor Society, Sigma Phi Sigma.

Since retiring, volunteering has been his life. He was a dedicated volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry (the food pantry at St. Jerome), Crisis Hotline, PBS Channel 8, and the Houston Grand Opera Guild.

Don is survived by daughter Patricia Dargen Therrell and her husband Larry Therrell; daughter Susan Dargen Brooks and husband Wade Brooks; son Michael Paul Dargen; sister Dorothy Ann Fiedler; son-in-law William Phillips; very close family friend Randy Evans; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Richard Dargen.

Family and friends gathered for a visitation from 5:00pm until 8:00pm Tuesday, March 10th in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, where the Rosary was recited at 6:00pm.

The Funeral Liturgy was held at 10:30am on Wednesday, March 11th in the Sanctuary of St. Jerome Catholic Church, 8825 Kempwood Dr. also in Houston, with Reverend Michael Van Cleve as Celebrant. The Rite of Committal followed at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, where military honors were provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8790 Honor Guard.

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Memorial contributions in Don’s name would be appreciated to the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry, 8825 Kempwood Dr. Houston, TX 77080. (713) 468-5910