VICTORIA: Danny Ray “Dan” Hairell, age 71, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025. He was born April 21, 1954 in Hallettsville to Hollie Hairell and Eddie Bell Hairell McCord.
He grew up in Hope, Texas and graduated from Yoakum High School in 1972. He met the love of his life, Karen Lynn Kolonko and they married May 8, 1976.
He began his career with Brown & Root. He moved to Union Carbide/DOW Chemical, retiring from DOW. He then joined VCS Companies, later retiring from VCS to enjoy his time with family. After a little break, he went to work with Lynn Group until earlier this year. Every step in his career allowed for Dan to never meet a stranger and share his infectious smile everywhere he went.
Spending time tending to his cattle and work days on the land were important but not near as special to him as his 4 grandchildren. He loved to show them all things ‘country and hunting’. As his health declined the last few years with ALS, he still remained active as much as he could with his family and his friends.
Survivors: wife of 49 years, Karen Kolonko Hairell; daughters, D’an Kocian (Chad) and Kristi Heidrich (Eric); grandchildren, Allie Kocian, Cole Kocian, Hatley Heidrich and Holden Heidrich; sister, Mary Lou Lynn; sister-in-law, Pat Hairell Shroyer (Curtis), nieces, nephews and many special friends.
Preceded in death by: parents; brother, Hollie Hairell, step-father Roy McCord, and a brother-in-law, Ronnie Lynn.
Visitation was held at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville with Pastor Chip Reynolds officiating. Burial took place at Shiloh Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Chad Kocian, Eric Heidrich, Richard Paul Kolonko, Jr., David Kolonko, Bill Reardon, Stuart Lynn, Vic Stotts
Honorary Pallbearer: Dale Martin
Memorial contributions may be given to Shiloh Cemetery and Community Center or First English Lutheran Church in Victoria.