Dane Edward Umphrey

Dane Edward Umphrey, 78, of Labelle, Texas passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at his home in Labelle. Dane was born in Port Arthur, Texas on August 10, 1944 to the late, Bert and Christine Umphrey.

Dane grew up in the Lakeview neighborhood of Port Arthur. On any given summer day it would not be unusual to find him walking the train tracks from near his home to his grandparents or riding bikes throughout the neighborhood with other neighborhood boys, many of whom would become lifelong friends.

After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1962 he decided he wanted to serve his country and join the military. He knew he wanted to be on the water so he had intentions of joining the Navy. The bridge to the navy recruitment location was closed, so as fate would have it, he passed a Coast Guard recruitment office on the way home and joined the Coast Guard. His service in the Coast Guard took him to both coasts from Eureka, California to New York City. This fit well with his adventuresome spirit, as well as serving his country on the water.

After completing his time in the Coast Guard, like his father, Dane went to work at Texaco eventually ending up in the lab. However, the adventuresome spirit again came calling and Dane decided that he wanted to be his own boss by starting a business. He had always enjoyed mechanical work and working with his hands was something he was naturally good at. His curiosity as a young man had him taking things apart to see how they worked and then putting them back together. This later transitioned into his work as a ASE Master Technician and owner of Dane’s Automotive in Nederland. He proudly owned and operated his auto repair business for almost 40 years.

After retiring and selling his successful business, he and Linda were able to travel more frequently. Some of their favorite places to visit were Fredericksburg, Texas and Durango, Colorado, many times pulling their motorcycles and taking rides throughout the countryside.  They were fortunate to be able to travel the country and enjoy their retirement together. When not traveling, Dane could usually be found in his shop at this home rebuilding and restoring antique John Deere tractors and lanterns. He never missed an opportunity to show off his hard work. He loved the process of restoring the tractors but the sound of the engine running was the ultimate prize for him.

Dane never met a stranger. He was quick with a big smile and friendly “Hello” wherever he went. He had a sense of humor with quick comments, often taking jabs at himself. Telling funny stories and making everyone laugh was part of spending time with Dane. He always had his phone handy and calls and texts came in throughout the day from old and new friends on a regular basis. He always had time to talk. He enjoyed taking his daily walks around his neighborhood in Labelle as much for the exercise as the opportunity to visit with his neighbors. Dane could be counted on to lend a hand or an ear whenever needed.

Dane’s family brought him the most joy and love in his life. He and Linda were married for almost 48 years and together they raised four boys, Lee, Darren, Chad and Dale. Whether it was taking his family on week long camping trips to Village Creek, making homemade ice cream on hot summer afternoons, flying model airplanes or playing football in the backyard, above everything else, family was the most important thing in his life. He and Linda were blessed with 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He always looked forward to spending time with his family. He never left without a big hug and “I love you”. Dane always let his family know they were loved.

Those left to cherish Dane’s memory include his sons, Lee Brown and his wife, Melisa of Beaumont, Texas, Darren Umphrey and his wife, Angela of Canyon Lake, Texas, Chad Umphrey of Nederland, Texas and Dale Umphrey and his wife, Ashley of Nederland, Texas; sister, Marga Carlsen and her husband, Bill of Port Neches, Texas; grandchildren, Morgan Brown, Ethan Brown, Weston Brown, Shea Umphrey, Quinn Umphrey, Peyton Carlton, Madison Umphrey and Ayden Doyle; and great-grandchildren, Rowan Baggett and Sutton Carlton.

Dane is preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda Umphrey; his parents, Bert and Christine Umphrey; and his brother Mark Umphrey.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas on Tuesday evening, May 30, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday morning, May 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., also at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland.