Dan Gilbert Eisenhaur

In Loving Memory of Daniel Gilbert Eisenhaur

Daniel Gilbert Eisenhaur of Claude, Texas, passed away surrounded by family and love. A man of deep curiosity, boundless stories, and a heart as wide as the Texas plains he loved, he leaves behind a legacy of adventure, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Great Plains Western Church in Washburn. Interment will follow in Claude Cemetery. Military Rites are by Volleys for Veterans. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, Texas. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Geraldine and Charles Eisenhaur of Claude; his cherished daughter, Jennifer Eisenhaur of Amarillo; and his son, Rick Warden of Frost, Texas. He is survived by his devoted wife and partner in all things, Irene Eisenhaur of Claude. Their love was the foundation of every adventure, every memory, and every story worth retelling. Together, they built a family that spans generations and carries his spirit forward. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kimber Eisenhaur of Dallas, TX, and her children: Anika, Shamara, and Kyree; Amanda Bratten, and her husband, Ret. Sgt. First Class Daniel Bratten of Aiken, South Carolina, along with their children: Mykenzi, whose children, Blakelee and Baylee brought Papa great joy as great-grandchildren, Caity, who also resides in Aiken, Benjamin, currently stationed in San Antonio, TX, serving in the United States Navy — though Papa always insisted on calling him “Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Franklin Eisenhaur,” a title he wore with pride and a wink, Sara Honea, and her husband, Chris of Claude, TX, and their three boys: Grady, Riley, and Brody. Through the legacy of his late daughter, Jennifer Eisenhaur of Amarillo, his memory lives on in her children: Dominick Eisenhaur and his fiancée Karlye of Colorado Springs, CO, Macie Jo Hudson and her husband John Holley, along with their son, Kyler, Papa’s great-grandson, Callie Kosiavelon of Colorado Springs, CO. His late son, Rick Warden of Frost, TX, is survived by his daughter Abigail, who lives in Crawford, TX. Dan is also survived by his sister, Kathy Miller of Claude, TX, and her children: Jami, Joi, and Wade. His legacy extends to numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as countless in-laws, extended family, and friends who were more like family.

Papa (AKA Grandpa Dan) was a proud Army veteran, stationed in Germany during his service. This chapter of his life held special meaning, not only for the discipline and stories it gave him, but because it connected him to his German roots. His pride in both his heritage and his military service was something he shared often, through stories that were equal parts heartfelt and humorous.

Papa was a collector—not just of rocks, coins, arrowheads, and turquoise—but of stories, memories, and people. He never met a stranger. He could be found exploring museums, wandering through old cemeteries in search of long-lost relatives, or standing in awe at Civil War battlegrounds. He claimed Kiowa or Comanche roots with pride and passed down a love for history, especially the kind you could touch, feel, and walk through. Dan spent most of his life as a custom harvester, following in his father’s footsteps. He loved the Dallas Cowboys (even when they lost), race cars, walking sticks, and big sun hats. He was known to shout “Tatonka!” to any child in earshot when buffalo were near. Whether riding his RZR across the Continental Divide (four times!) or telling tales of cutting wheat and running combines, Papa lived for the thrill of the story—some true, some... enhanced. 

He was a fierce competitor in chess and Yahtzee, where accusations of cheating were part of the fun, and laughter was always the prize. He was a father who loved deeply, a grandfather who played on the floor despite aching knees, and a husband who treated his wife like a queen. 

He was a legend—literally and figuratively. From riding a motorcycle down his high school hallway to repainting a water tower as penance for a prank, his stories will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. 

Papa was a flatlander at heart, needing to see for miles, but his love for the mountains and the people he shared them with made his life a beautiful journey. His spirit, humor, and love will echo through generations.