Henry ""Dan"" Wise

Dan ""The Hat Man"" Wise unexpectedly passed from this life on April 20, 2020 in Killeen. He was born June 21, 1946 in Gatesville to Gilbert and Bessie Lee (Webb) Wise. He grew up in Killeen, graduating from Killeen High School in 1965. He married Pat (Riley) Wise on April 11, 1968, in Abilene, and they ended up in Houston within a few months after that. Dan and Pat moved back to Killeen in 1974, after the birth of their daughter Becky in November, 1973. He went to work for W.J. Fisher at Ideal Electric in Killeen, where he stayed until the business was sold to Summit Electric in 2002. He stayed with Summit until they closed in 2012. Along with his job at Ideal, he went to work for Country Secrets Western Wear in 1985, working part time and beginning a long association with that store that continued until it closed in 2012. When Cavenders Boot City announced they would be opening a store in Killeen, Dan was actively recruited for his experience and know-how and went to work for them as soon as they opened in November 2012. He was still working for Cavenders at the time of his passing. Even though not a licensed electrician, his years in supply and equipment made him the go-to guy for many contractors in and around the Killeen/Copperas Cove/Fort Hood area. He was often called in to open up for emergencies, day or night, and was appreciated and esteemed by so many. He also became the recognized western hat expert in this area, becoming fondly known as ""Dan, the Hat Man."" Cowboys brought their hats in for cleaning and reshaping, or to simply have him prepare and shape a new hat to wear to the rodeo. The 1st Cavalry Division hats he cleaned and shaped for our active duty and veteran soldiers were a source of pride and joy for him. He loved what he did and there wasn't anything he would rather do on any given day. Dan was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Wise; both his maternal and paternal grandparents; his brother-in-law Bobby Taylor; and his nephew, Waylon Taylor. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pat; his daughter Becky Brooks; his mother, Bessie Lee Wise; his sister Connie Taylor; his brother Jack (Sharon) Wise; his mother-in-law Annie Riley; sisters-in-law Cheryl Riley and Debbie Reece; four nephews; three grandchildren, Derek and Hayley Brooks and Aaliyah Owten; and two precious great-granddaughters, Katalaya and Lay'Veanna Brooks. The little ones will miss their Pawpaw. Due to the current COVID situation, there will be no formal funeral services for Dan. However, a visitation is scheduled for Monday, 27 April, 1:00-2:30, at the Crotty Funeral Home, 5431 West US Hwy 190, Belton, TX. Please be aware that COVID restrictions will only allow 10 individuals to be inside at one time. When one visitor leaves, another may go in to pay their respects. After the visitation period, a family-only caravan will travel to the North Belton Cemetery for burial. Again, due to the current COVID situation, floral tributes are discouraged. However, should you like to provide a monetary tribute in Dan's honor, please consider Special Olympics, any of the Central Texas Food Banks, or a charity of your choice. The Hat Man will be missed. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Henry ""Dan"" Wise please visit our Sympathy Store.