Retired Texas DPS Highway Patrol Trooper Daniel Robert Shown was laid to rest in Waco on March 14.
WACO, Texas — Law enforcement and community members gathered in Central Texas on Saturday, March 14 to pay their respects to a retired Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Trooper.
Trooper Daniel Robert Shown died on Feb. 27, 2026 at the age of 66 from complications resulting from an injury he suffered in the line of duty, according to DPS.
Shown was laid to rest at Church of the Open Door in Waco on March 14.
DPS Lt. Colonel Walt Goodson, THP Assistant Chief Bruce James, THP Assistant Chief Ben Urbanczyk and other DPS leaders from across the state came to pay their respects to Shown and honor his service, the department said.
“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. His unwavering character and commitment set a remarkable example. It was a privilege to know him, and we should all aspire to follow his lead.”
Shown was injured in the line of duty in 1988, resulting in lifelong complications, according to the department. On Dec. 16, 1988, Shown responded alongside the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office to a report of a man threatening his daughter and infant granddaughter with a shotgun.
Soon after authorities arrived, the man opened fire, hitting Shown in the forehead, resulting in the loss of his left eye and permanent paralysis on the left side of his body, according to DPS. Shown was awarded the Purple Heart by Texas DPS in 2011.
Shown was medically retired from the department due to his injuries, but remained involved in the DPS community by visiting recruit classes at the Training Academy to share his experiences, offer guidance and “inspire new generations of Troopers,” DPS said.
“Though retired, [Shown] was an integral part of the DPS family, maintaining close connections with colleagues and mentoring others throughout the remainder of his life,” the department said in a statement.
Shown began his career with DPS in 1980 as a member of Class B-80, the department said. He was stationed in Fort Worth and Hillsboro before returning home to Waco to serve in 1984, where he served until his medical retirement.
Texas DPS described Shown as an avid fisherman, golfer and rancher, as well as a “man of great faith.” He is reportedly survived by his sister Betty Rice, his brother Tom Yarbrough, his sisters Diana Suater and Rachel Dunn and “many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.”
DPS said Shown is the 243rd DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823.