Daniel M. (Bubba) Cleary, Jr., of Galveston, died Monday, January 7, 2013, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, Texas.

Daniel was born on November 9, 1925 to Dan M. and Nellie Cleary. In his early life, he competed professionally in the rodeo business. Daniel served in the US Army during World War II in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was severely wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a retired Postal employee and raised cattle and hogs on the island for years. Daniel was one of the founders of Galveston Island 4-H Club, past director and life member of the Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Assn., longtime member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattlemen’s Association, a longtime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, and the Texas Pork-Producers Association. He was also a life member and past president of Disabled American Veterans, life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 880, longtime member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge 126, Sons of Hermann Gulf Coast Lodge, and Post Association of Retired Federal Employees 298, American Postal Workers Union. Daniel’s involvement in the different organizations was important to him, but Galveston herself and finding someone to talk with were also very, very dear to him. We all will miss him, as he was more than a great loving husband, father, Papa, and “Pops,” he was our best friend.

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Nellie Cleary.

He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife, Elaine; his sons, Danny M. Cleary of Brenham, TX.; Dr. Donald J. Cleary and wife Carleen of Iola, TX.; daughters, Judy Osting and husband Dennis of Houston; Debbie Riehl and husband Tommy of Santa Fe, TX.; and sister, Catherine Paciotti of Corpus Christi, TX. “Pa Pa” or “Pops” also leaves behind his grandchildren: D. J. and wife Fanchen Cleary of Spring, TX.; Jennifer Kelley of League City, TX; Misty Milner of Sugarland, TX and Matt Demecs of Denver, CO; Brad Burden; Adrienne Burden of Brenham, TX; Bryan Riehl, Savanna Riehl and Stone Riehl of Santa Fe, TX; four great grandchildren: Sutton, Tess, Jade and Dylan; and lots and lots of friends who will all miss him greatly.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm, Sunday, January 13th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home.

Funeral service will begin at 10:00 am, Monday, January 14th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home with burial following at Galveston Memorial Park.

Pallbearers are John Lee Sullivan, Manuel Betancourt, Roland Chapman, Kenny Wegner, Andrew Sanchez and Roy Anthony. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Daigle, Otto Longoria, John Nash, W.O. “Windy” Grebb, Jinker Williams, George Gates, Glen Schaper, and Darrell King.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.