Dan Gerson

Dan Benjamin Gerson died September 22nd , 2016 Danny, the youngest child of Lawrence "Putch" Gerson and Gertrude Wertheimer Gerson, was a 3rd generation native Houstonian who in 1947, happened to be born in Phoenix, Arizona while his family was living there for one year. Danny returned to Houston as an infant and grew up here, attending HISD schools, graduating from Bellaire High School in 1965. Danny attended the University of Texas where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, graduating in 1969. Following graduation Danny served in the National Guard, and upon his release in 1970, moved to San Francisco, California where he worked in the steel business. Danny missed his family and friends in Houston and in 1971 moved home, bringing with him a new product that he discovered in California, the waterbed. Danny opened the first waterbed store in Houston, across from Lanier Junior High School on Westheimer, which became an instant success. Having always wanted to be a lawyer, Danny applied and was accepted to the University of Houston law school, sold the waterbed business to his partner and attended law school from 1971 to 1974. Upon graduation from law school Danny immediately began practicing criminal defense law. Danny believed passionately in freedom and justice and was dedicated to fighting on behalf of his clients, successfully trying hundreds of jury trials in state and federal courts. He worked on cases with most of the premier criminal defense lawyers in Houston and often traveled around the state and the country defending his clients. In 2014, he was named Criminal Lawyer of the Year by Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association. Danny was a liberal Democrat, who was very interested in politics, and as the years passed, never lost his sense of justice and passion for the underdog. Danny always read extensively, sometimes reading three books at a time. Although he never smoked and rarely drank, Danny was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002. Without complaint, he patiently endured the harsh chemo/ radiation treatments at M.D. Anderson, and the long recovery that followed. Danny was very blessed to be able to bounce back and recover, continuing his work as a trial lawyer and his passion for playing golf with his friends. In 2004 Danny married his wonderful wife, Nancy Shafran. Because of the cancer, Nancy knew it might not be a long marriage, but loved Danny and he loved her, and so they decided to take a chance. They were able to spend thirteen wonderful years together. Danny was a very proud and loving father to his three adoring children, Emily, Annie and Elliot Gerson and he will be greatly missed by them. When the children were growing up Danny coached basketball, was an Indian Princess chief, and never missed any of their orchestra performances, soccer games, football games, baseball games, plays or any of the many activities that the kids participated in. Danny also loved and was very proud of Nancy's son, Zachary. Danny and Nancy had a wonderful life together, enjoying (when he was not playing golf), working out together, taking cruises, shopping, going out with friends, and spending time at home with their poodle, Teddy. Danny is survived by his wife Nancy and children Emily and Bryan Crone, Annie, Elliot and step-son Zachary Edelman. His three siblings and their spouses: Raymond and Bonnie Gerson, Paula and Irving Pozmantier and Alan and Frances Gerson, his mother in law Joan Shafran, and sister in law Beth Shafran Mukai and her husband Conrad. Danny comes from a large family and was very fond of his many first, second, and even third cousins, as well as nieces and nephews and extended families of his siblings. Danny was also very close to many of his life-long friends and fraternity brothers, as well as his golf buddies at River Oaks Country Club and elsewhere. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Chambers at MD Anderson. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up at MD Anderson Cancer Center, to purchase a special piece of equipment for Dr. Chambers' patients. Donations may be sent to MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/tributes in memory of Dan Gerson. Please write Fund Designated by family (FDF)

Dan Gerson

September 15, 1947 - September 22, 2016