Hundreds gathered in Waco to honor the life and legacy of retired Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Trooper Daniel Robert Shown, who died from complications related to a line-of-duty injury.
The service was held March 14, 2026, at Church of the Open Door. Shown, 66, passed away on February 27, nearly four decades after suffering life-altering injuries while responding to a call.
“We are eternally grateful for the time we shared with Trooper Daniel Shown,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “He approached every day with enthusiasm and purpose. Even after his life was profoundly changed, he remained devoted to serving others, inspiring the next generation of DPS Troopers.”
Shown began his career with DPS in 1980 as part of Class B-80. He was initially stationed in Fort Worth and Hillsboro before returning to Waco in 1984.
On December 16, 1988, Shown responded alongside the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office to a report of a man threatening family members with a shotgun. During the encounter, the suspect opened fire, striking Shown in the forehead.
The injury resulted in the loss of his right eye and left him permanently paralyzed on the left side of his body. He was medically retired later that month.
Despite his injuries, Shown remained deeply connected to the DPS community. He frequently visited recruit classes at the DPS Training Academy, where he shared his experience and encouraged future troopers.
DPS leaders from across the state, including Lt. Colonel Walt Goodson and Highway Patrol Assistant Chiefs Bruce James and Ben Urbanczyk, attended the service to pay their respects.
In recognition of his bravery, Shown was awarded the Purple Heart by DPS in 2011.
Those who knew him described him as a man of faith who enjoyed fishing, golfing, and ranching. He is survived by his siblings and extended family.
Trooper Shown is recognized as the 243rd DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823.
