Farewell
Stephen Daniel Mings MA, MSCRP, PHD (History) passed away September 7, 2023 in Shenandoah, Texas at the age of 77. Dan was born in Belleville, IL on January 3, 1946, to John Ora Mings and Charlotte Zepin Mings whose passing preceded his.
Dan taught European and American history as well as physical and cultural world geography for 47 years at the University of Texas at Austin and Austin Community College. He considered his students as more than just attendees by including them in end of semester parties at his home. As a transportation planner at the Texas DOT, until his retirement in 2001, he made traffic forecasts across Texas for the Highway Commission and was the first project director for a national congestion study ranking American cities. In retirement, he shared his love of history as a Guest Lecturer on Holland America Line cruise ships from 2015-2019, teaching on history related to ports visited around the world. With his love for history, strategy and gaming, he designed and developed the strategy board games Texas Revolution (1981), Texas Glory (2009) (Texas Revolution revised) and soon to be released, Mountain Men.
He enjoyed hiking in the Gila Wilderness, had an appreciation for art, music and good movies. He published a book of poetry, Nuclear Winter, in 1991 after the passing of a son and returned to poetry writing in the latter phase of his life. Dan had a great sense of humor and competed in and won an annual Pun competition.
Dan was very outgoing, exuberant and had a zest for life. He could always be found reading, meeting new friends, sharing his time with extended family, quoting comedic movie lines, and looking for the next adventure. An interesting man of remarkable intellect and wit, he was loved by his family and friends, and will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Saralind Hill Mings, a son, Walter Ora Mings and his siblings David Mings and Mary (Joe) Urban. He is survived by two sons John (Leana) and Matthew (Janie) Mings; six grandchildren: Danielle McDaniel, Elizabeth (Kelly) Vernon, Stephen (Katy) Mings, Dillon Williford, Casey Hall (Josh) and Amy Jacobs; three great grandchildren; sisters Susan Winzeler of O'Fallon, IL, Penny Bueker of Houston, TX, and Sarah Mings of Atlanta, GA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cashnerconroe.com for the Mings family.