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Gilbert "Dane" Arthur Jr. '78 October 11, 2016 9:12 AM updated: October 11, 2016 9:16 AM

Hillier Funeral Home - College Station obituary
4080 State Hwy 6 South
College Station, TX 77845
Telephone: (979) 985-2060
Fax: (979) 823-8050
Email: wecare@hillierfh.com

Gilbert Dane Arthur Jr.
May 19, 1956 - September 15, 2016

“Lots of people can be cowboys. Few can be cattlemen.”

(Gilbert) Dane Arthur, Jr.

Beloved husband, father and friend, Dane Arthur passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016, at age 60.

Born in Kingsville, TX, on May 19, 1956, Dane was the son of Gilbert Dane Arthur, Sr. and Elinor Florence Arthur, who were employed by Champlin Refinery and Texas A&M University, Kingsville, respectively. Dane’s younger sister, Geraldine Ann Arthur Isdale, now survives him. As a youth, Dane was an active outdoorsman and a successful member of Future Farmers of America, with a passion for raising beef heifers featured at the Kleberg County Livestock Show. One year, Dane was fortunate enough to also win the Houston Livestock Show in Beef Cattle and Showmanship, as well as winning a prized heifer that Bud Adams, owner of the Houston Oilers, donated. He later graduated from H. M. King High School and continued on to Texas A&M University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, complete with a Ranch Management/Commercial Option (Class of '78). Dane loved the spirit of Aggieland, with its rich history and enduring traditions, and while he lived in College Station, Dane actively participated in Collegiate FFA and TAMU Saddle and Sirloin Club.

While Dane’s lifelong ambition was to own and operate his own successful cattle ranch, he knew that he would still need to find a special companion to join him on his journey. (Luckily, he wasn’t too shy to be around people; one buddy told Dane that he was so friendly, he could strike up a conversation with a fence post.) Finally one night, Dane finally found the woman of his dreams at a dance in Kingsville; her name was Cynthia Ann (“Cindi”) McDonald, and she was inevitably attracted to Dane’s kind, generous and caring nature. They married on March 7, 1981 in Kingsville, Texas. Eventually, the Arthur family included two sons: Gerald Damon Arthur and Orry Thomas Arthur. As a father, Dane was committed to ensuring that his sons were raised with the same understanding of respect and chivalry that had been instilled in him at an early age, whether their family was working together on ranch chores, hunting, watching Aggie football or fishing the Frio River. With his wife and sons, Dane built the ranch that he had imagined owning during his boyhood days: a place where his children and grandchildren could work and play as an entire family. Indeed, at the time of his death, Dane was at last ready to retire to the ranch and spend all of his time in that place he loved, with those he loved most. He was never afraid of expressing his affection for his friends and family, reminding them, “We’ve got to get together soon,” and often saying, “Love you, guys!” A man of his word, Dane always said what he meant, and so doing, Dane ensured that his legacy of love and service would endure for those who now survive him.

Professionally, Dane was employed by Texas A&M University System Facilities Planning & Construction, where he served as Project Manager II and Inspector for new buildings being added to the TAMU campus. He enjoyed his work and his colleagues, and he especially looked forward to groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies for each new project. In this capacity, Dane felt fulfilled in watching Texas A&M students and faculty use the facilities which he had helped make a reality. Indeed, Dane’s years of service to A&M came as an extension of his desire to help anyone who needed him. It is this spirit of duty, honor and love—demonstrated daily to his friends and family—which will endure forever as they remember him.

Dane is survived by his sweetheart of 35 years, Cindi, as well as his sons and daughter-in-law: Damon & Stephanie Arthur and Orry Arthur. His beloved grandchildren include: Travis, Allie, Tucker and Clelie. Dane’s mother, Elinor Arthur, and his sister, Geraldine Isdale and her husband, Stuart also mourn his passing. Likewise, Dane’s nephews, Stetson Isdale (and wife Sara) and Slade Isdale (and wife Becca), as well as his great-nephews, Sheldon and Sawyer Isdale, remember him with great admiration and affection, as do his father-in-law Tommy McDonald, his brother-in-law Thomas McDonald, and Dane’s many cousins. Preceding Dane in death were his father, Gilbert Dane Arthur Sr. and his paternal and maternal grandparents, respectively: Lester W. & Mabel C. Arthur and A. Gerald & Mildred M. Florence.


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