Daniel Ray Jensen

Daniel Ray Jensen was born on March 27, 1935, to H.C. and Vivian (Thompson) Jensen in Taylor, TX. Although many children were born at home in those days, his mother wanted her firstborn to be delivered in a hospital. So he was.

Dan graduated from Webster High School (now Clear Creek) in 1953. He received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1957 just before entering the United States Army as a reservist.

Upon returning from basic training and 6 months of active duty, Dan began working at Kerr Steamship Company in Houston, TX where, 6 years later, he first met Jonelle Bean while showing her how to use a tricky pencil sharpener. After dating for 3 years, Dan married Jonelle, the love of his life, on November 11, 1967, in Houston, Texas. Together they shared 53 wonderful years.

In 1975, Dan followed God’s leading to study for the ministry. He completed his theological requirements at Southwestern Union College (now Southwestern Adventist University) in 1977 and began his life of ministry, pastoring Oklahoma Seventh-day Adventist churches in the Sallisaw, Enid, Okeene, and Claremore districts.

Dan was a proud Texan and a devoted fan of the Baylor Bears and St. Louis Cardinals. He surprised his family by not only embracing his first computer given to him as a gift, but by actually forming some email groups and online forums to discuss his love and performance of his teams. BaylorDan became quite a legend in these communities, and many have reached out to share the impact he made.

Dan was an avid reader who especially enjoyed history. He was a man who appreciated the comfort of his own home and the simple things in life, including his favorite treat, Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream. But above everything else, Dan loved his family dearly. He was proud of both Elizabeth and Jennifer as they thrived growing up and used their talents to serve God, but he refused to take any of the credit. He would often mention what a blessing his daughters have been because “they take after their mother.” Dan enjoyed watching as his girls became mothers themselves and loved spending time with each of his grandchildren.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Jonelle Jensen; his father, H.C. Jensen; his mother, Vivian Jensen; his brother, Pat Jensen; and his son-in-law, Travis Tyre.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Tyre of Mansfield, TX, Jennifer Dohlman and her husband Matt of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Andrew Tyre of Orlando, FL, Matthew Tyre of Mansfield, TX, and Katelyn and Carmen Dohlman of Tulsa,Ok

The family has asked for donations to be made to one of these charities in lieu of flowers. Three of Daniel's favorites were:

American Heart Association www.heart.org

Operation Smile www.operationsmile.org

Tulsa Adventist Academy www.tulsaacademy.org or

www.tulsaadventistacademy.factsmgtadmin.com/give