John Anthony Mulryan Jr., born March 12, 1962, in Peru, Indiana, passed away on Sept. 7, 2026, in Baytown, Texas. John was born in Indiana while his father, John Anthony Mulryan Sr., was serving in the United States Air Force. The son of John Anthony Mulryan Sr. and Veronica Mulryan, John built a life defined by family, public service, hard work, and a deep commitment to the community he called home.
John shared nearly 41 years of marriage with his wife, Dale Ann Mulryan, whom he married on October 25, 1985. Family was at the center of his life. He was the father of Cully Mulryan and his wife, Lindsay, and Casey Veen and her husband, Benjamin. He was also a proud grandfather to Grayson Veen, Everett Veen, Audrey Veen, and Rowan Mulryan. Some of his favorite time was simply time spent with his children and grandchildren.
John enjoyed hunting and fishing and appreciated the fellowship that came with cook-offs, school activities, youth sports, and community events. He did not limit his involvement to one organization or one cause; over the years, he gave his time where it was needed and became a familiar presence throughout Anahuac and Chambers County.
John attended Northbrook High School and continued his education at Athens Junior College and Sam Houston State University. Football was an important part of those years, and he played at both Athens Junior College and Sam Houston State University. The discipline, teamwork, and determination associated with athletics remained evident throughout his life and career.
John devoted his law-enforcement career to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office. He began working in the Chambers County jail in 1992 and moved into patrol in 1995. Over the years, he accepted increasing responsibility and served the department and community in a wide range of roles.
His service included patrol, investigations, training, juvenile work, and mental-health response. He also served as an investigator and as Captain of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). The variety of positions he held reflected both the breadth of his experience and his willingness to take on whatever responsibility was needed.
In 2020, John was elected Constable of Chambers County Precinct 2. He was serving his second term at the time of his passing, continuing a career centered on protecting, serving, and supporting the people of Chambers County.
John’s service extended far beyond his professional duties. He was a member of the Anahuac Lions Club for approximately 15 years, a member of the Anahuac Booster Club, and a member of the Anahuac Chamber of Commerce. He also coached Little League for a number of years and participated in many events supporting local schools and families.
In 2025, the Anahuac Chamber of Commerce recognized John with its Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his long-standing service, involvement, and commitment to the community. It was a fitting recognition of the many years he spent contributing his time and energy to Anahuac and the surrounding area.
John’s commitment to law enforcement was also part of a family legacy. His grandfather, Ronnie Dobbs, served as Sheriff of Lavaca County from approximately 1964 until 1969 and was killed in the line of duty in 1969. John carried forward that tradition of public service through decades of work in law enforcement and through his involvement in the community.
John will be remembered for a life that brought together the things that mattered most to him: family, service, community, friendship, and time spent outdoors. Whether he was wearing a badge, coaching a ball team, helping at a school event, volunteering with a local organization, competing in a cook-off, hunting, fishing, or spending time with his family, he remained closely connected to the people and community around him. His years of service left a lasting mark on Chambers County and on the many people whose lives crossed his path.
John Mulryan Memorial Foundation Fund
@JohnMulryanMemorial
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation honoring John Mulryan and supporting local children, families, and students.
Visitation Friday, September 18, 2026
5:00–8:00 PM
Anahuac, Texas
Celebration of Life Saturday, September 19, 2026
2:00 PM
Double Bayou Community Building
To send flowers to the family of John ‘Big John’ A. Mulryan, Jr., please visit our floral store.