Doan Van Tran

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Doan Van Tran, who departed this life on January 28, 2024. Born in 1936, Doan lived a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to his family and community.

Doan is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Minh Nguyen, his son Michael Tran, and his daughters Claire Thuy Dang and Thuy Anh Iuliano. He was also a doting grandfather to Ellarie, Milana, Alina, Rocco, and Sofia. He leaves behind his daughter-in-law Trang Thanh Vu, and his sons-in-law, Anthony Dang and Joe Iuliano, and his caring sister Thuc Phan.

Doan’s life was marked with achievements and service to his community. A hard-working individual, Doan graduated from Chu Van An high school in 1955 before graduating from the Police Academy in 1960. A man of strong principles and values, Doan served as Chief of Police for the Republic of Vietnam in 1965. He married the love of his life in 1975 and within a couple of months, he was forced to serve time in the communist re-education camp. Through the mercy of Christ and the devotion of his wife, he overcame various afflictions and diseases brought on by hard physical labor and intensive political indoctrination. After his release in 1981, he continued to expand his knowledge by studying sewing, photography, and real estate. He immigrated his family to Seguin, Texas via the humanitarian operation (HO) in pursuit of freedom and building a better life. He aspired to further educate himself by earning his GED in 1996, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) in 1999. Doan retired in 2010 after many years of unwavering commitment to his profession. His final and most significant life-changing event was receiving the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation on January 13, 2024, during which he took the name of Saint Joseph (Giao Xu Thanh Giuse), the patron saint of workers and champion in the fight against communism.

The simple pleasures in life that brought him immense joy was savoring his wife's impeccable cooking and the exotic Asian fruits and delicious sweets/snacks that his children brought home whenever they visited. His love for music was evident in his fondness for artists like Hoang Thi Tho, Lam Phuong, Le Thu, Khanh Ly, Tuan Vu, Ngoc Lan. He enjoyed driving around town, socializing, walking, practicing tai chi, and watching Vietnamese singing shows and action movies. He loved to sing and dance, collect hats and clocks, and make people laugh with his silliness and jokes. He was the happiest when he spent quality time with his beloved wife and family. 

On February 16, 2024, there will be a viewing and visitation at Palmer Mortuary from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

On February 17, 2024, the Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM at St. James Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at San Geronimo Cemetery. 

Known for his lawful, romantic, loving, loyal, honest, caring, appreciative, compassionate, dependable, generous and strong-willed nature, Doan left an indelible imprint on those who knew him. His unending love for his family is marked by honoring his family in life and freeing his family of any residual burden in death. He will be deeply missed by all.