Your memory as a man for any and all seasons will be a fine guide for all of us to model our lives after. I will cherish your name, Darrell Kenneth Royal, as a name to be honored and remembered always! My family and I will honor your friendliness to us as strangers in 1973 and it will be one of our dearest of our dearest memories! If only this world could be blessed with more men like you!!!!
All of us who miss Coach Royal can be comforted by reading "Coach Royal: Voices and Memories." An interview by John Wheat, the book reminds us of his humor, honesty, and humility. I read it today and could almost see and hear him.
RIP, my friend. We will remember you and honor your memory always.
Hook 'em, Horns!
Coach Royal, you will be missed. God Bless you and your family. You will live on in the hearts of all who wear and cheer on the burnt orange!
I drove home from the University one day to find my wife on the porch calling to me: "Jon, Coach Royal is on the phone!" I hurried in to see what he wanted. He was calling about a grade for one of his players. This particular player was a sub that year, but went on to be a starter and All-Southwest Conference the following year. Coach Royal took care of the small details, and that's one of the reasons he was such a great coach. Jon D. Swartz, Ph.D.
MAY GOD BE WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY,"HAPPY ARE THE PURE IN HEART,SINCE THEY WILL SEE GOD".{MATT.5:8}.....NC
Thank you God for sending coach.
He meant so much to so many of us who never met him.
God Bless you Coach Royal. May peace surround your family and all those who are so painfully missing you.
Too many cherished football memories from my formative years at TEXAS 1966-1971. last few seconds throw for touch down versus UCLA to preseve #1 spot in our stadium. Late night waits for team plane returns. I was fortunate to have been there. Art Hernandez, BSChe 1971. Farewell COUCH!
Coach Royal was my distant inspiration for many years. When my senior year the Longhorns went one victory by one point, and DKR arrived soon thereafter, everything has been UP since.
You will forever be the shining star in the Longhorn Legacy. Thank you! UT '83
With his coaching record there is no doubt he died with his boots on!
Thanks for the memories, Coach.
Mike Hutton
Coach Royal was one of the most inspirational coaches in my early high school coaching career. He had more impact on my philosophical development than any othey high-profile coach during those glamorous football eras. I met him only once, and shall always remain deeply impressed with his steadfast convictions and work ethics. His tremendous influence upon college will always remain. As he said in his outstanding book, Pride Is What Causes A Winning Team's Performance: I have found this axiom to relate also to successful living, as well.
Rest In Peace, Coach Royal.
Thankyou for teaching us to be football fans of TEXAS
I will always cherish the warm smile and strong handshake when I met THE COACH , one beautiful day at Barton Creek Country Club, as he sat alone on a boulder resting.
We will cherish the memories and you will live in our heart forever.
You will not be forgotten DKR! Thanks for the character and class you set at UT-Austin and your inspiration. RIP
Thanks for all the great memories you brought me. HOOKEM
Coach D K Royal is another fine gentelman I grew up knowing about life and own judgement calls for myself.He was friends with my family doctor whom has passed away in 2010 and my dad whom meet him breifly that passed in 2006. And I had the pleasure of working with a catering company that worked a function for the Royal's and he told me at that time ;Tht if you are able to wait on other people then you have more than enough patients to wait on yourself. You can deal with people better than most. Never will forget You MR.Royal you were as honest as they come even to past. THANK YOU VERY MUCH GOD BLESS.
The memories are too many to call back. I just know that Coach Royal brought so much fun to a college experience that I had to cram 4 years into 6 just to enjoy it all, and two National Championships!
I attended UT during 1969-71(graduated in Dec.'71) and was present for the 30 game win streak. One of the highpoints of my life came on Jan.1,1970. I attended the Cotton Bowl and viewed the thrilling victory over Notre Dame. Passing through Austin on the way home to San Antonio, I was greeted by the Orange Tower with the lighted 1. Incredible sight.Thank you and bless you Coach Royal.
Coach Royal was an outstanding gentleman and the best UT coach. He was first class in every way. I'll never forget his first victory (15-14) over Oklahoma in Dallas. Even my mother was so excited she could hardly talk.
Thank you for so many wonderful memories, I'll always remember you.
Sidney Burgin
I was born in Austin the year Darrel Royal became the coach at UT, went there in '73, and I now have grandchildren. His legacy will continue after I pass. My sympathies to the Royal family for their loss, as well as to fellow Longhorn fans. Long live Coach Royal!
I started at Texas the same year as Coach Royal and he has brought me much joy over the years. Hookem Coach!
To a man I never met. In the state of Texas where I was born & raised. The 2 universities I wanted to attend I could not. U of T & TCU. But I followed both football programs eagerly, with Coach Royal's statued & well ran program. Steve Worthier James Street, Bill Bradley,Tommy Nobis, & Chris Gilbert. Were my heroes. The game in Arkansas was the Greatest Ever. Rest in peace Coach.
You made me want to go The University of Texas when I was in middle school which, I did go to The University from 1977-81 & graduated. Thank you. you will be remebered.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May the God of all comfort give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Psalm 147:3
I was in my teens when we used to travel to the games, plus others we'd watch on tv. Truly a great coach that I've never forgotten. The wishbone was fantastic and hated to see its demise. Too bad time has to pass and we lose icons like Darrell. I will never forget him! He was some kind of person and coach, to say the least! He will be missed by many.Hope the best for the family as time passes on.
Coach Royal, there will never another coach like you, you are a one of a kind. While I did not attend UT, I have been a Texas Longhorn fan since 1960 and will continue to do so until the day I join you in heaven. You have been an inspiriation to many, including me. I thank God for the opportunity to know about you and your beloved wife. Your leadership and courage are beyond reproach. Thank you for all the memories
Darrell,
Thank you for all you've done to represent Texas with class.
Randy Izzard
Class of 1977
Thank you for being a great coach, leader,example for the youth of the country. I always looked up to you growing up. I pray that you rest in piece. Your legacy will always be at the University of Texas.
I graduated from The University in 1966. I was in a foursome in a golf tournament at Harlingen Country Club with Coach Royal. He helped us have a good time and was such a gentleman. He did not tell a lot of stories as he was interested in our business and families. Tom Landry was also at the tournament. I am blessed to have a picture of the two of them in my office. Coach Royal will always be remembered by all of us who knew him.
Darrell and Edith,
You have given much to me as student in 1958-63 and I will never forget the fight in your Longhorn teams. It was years later that I came to appreciate your wisdom and value to the Longhorn nation. May you rest in peace and enjoy your retirement in heaven. With much love, Mike Dougherty Class of 1963
Thank you or being a good football coach and a role model for our youth. Know your outstanding work at UT was appreciated. I went to your first football game in 1957. I was a knot hole member when at Lamar Junior High in Austin, Texas, and I got in for the price of 50 cents, I never missed a game. I still have the card that was punched out when you went into the north end zone seats, Memorial stadium had a capacity of 66,000. I still remember Rene Ramirez running the wishbone. I never missed a game, oh, the changes I have seen at UT. Well done coach, now take a well deserved rest. UT class of 67
May God bless your family and may you rest in peace. You will be missed.
I had the plesure to meet "Coach" at several events as I accompanied my nephew, Earl Campbell. I treasure his kind comments and admire his character. It was indeed a plesure to have met him, and I offer our sincere sympathy to his family and the Longhorn Nation on his passing.
DKR is and always will be the foundation of our PRIDE we call Longhorns. A great man I've only was able to read about. However I feel honored nevertheless.
may god be with your family.Thank you for always being a class act. thank you for everything you did for the University of Texas. See you in heaven Darrell. HOOK EM
Having had the privilege of serving with Coach Royal on the Men's Athletics Council I had the opportunity to learn first hand how to get things done with good humor and class. Knowing Coach was a privilege and he was so gracious to my parents on a visit to Austin treating them like a prized recruit. He was truly a legendary individual who made better whoever he had contact with.
I meet Coach when I was a young man (12) at church with my Uncle Otis V. Koen who took the pictures for the University for many years. He asked me if I wanted to play college ball and of course I said "Yes", then ask me where and I said "Texas". He said good I look forward to coaching you some day. I never made it, but his caring always impressed me
Dad (Dave Smith) was the offensive line coach at SMU from 1963-1971. "You always measured your program by how well you played against them." UT defeated SMU 7 of the 8 years that Dad coached.
Goodbye to a true Gentleman and Longhorn statesman. Darrell Royal will be forever associated with the good ole days of college football.
RIP coach Royal your the reason I watched my first college football game in 1976
I came of age with respect to football when Coach Royal arrived. In the 55 years that I've followed the Longhorns, I can truly say that the Royal years were, without question, the best years of my life! He was a hellava coach and an even greater man. His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of generations to come. Rest in peace, Coach. Hook 'em!
Coach Royal will always be remembered and missed. He and his teams made my years at Texas even more exciting and fun. Although I graduated in 1964, I remain a staunch supporter of UT football. Thanks for the memories, Coach.
You've touched so many hearts and lives, and one can only admire the legacy that you leave behind that hopefully we can all emulate...God Bless you and your family Coach! You will be missed.
Thank you for providing such strong leadership for the state of Texas and Longhorn Nation. God bless you and your family.
Thanks for making the game of footbal so great at UT but more important thanks for bringing such great character to UT and Texas.
My father was a football coach who was of the same generation as DKR.
Dad used examples like Coach and was quick with a tale or one liner with a direct application to the situation and many times was deeper in meaning than I was able to understanding. Coach was a great influence on other coaches and young fathers alike!
I was so fortunate to have such wisdom shared with love as a great influence on my life as a lifetime educator in Texas public schools. Thanks Coach for sharing with us all!
He was the reason I have been a Horn fan
since 1959. My 5 yr.old son recognized himat a high school game in 1974. He took
several minutes to talk to the boy and
give us an unforgettable moment. RPI.
Coach Royal, thank you for your class, dignity, and grace, and for all you did for the University of Texas.
I can not separate the name of the UT Longhorns from DKR. He'll live forever in my heart.
Coach Royal was "The University of Texas Fottball Program." Without his leadership and vision athletics at UT would not be where they are today. Sad, sad day for me and all other Longhorns AND Texans.
RIP Coach. Thank you for all you did to make Longhorn Football so great. Gone but never forgotten.
Coach, I was at UT when you first came as our coach. You left an indelible mark of integrity. I'm still here as you leave us. A sad day, but I'm sure God is waiting for you with a sideline pass.
It is difficult for me to absorbe Darrell K Royal's departure.
I was privileged to spend an evening with Coach Royal fairly early in his career at UT. As an undergraduate he had been a member of my fraternity at OU. The summer of 1966 my chapter decided to invite him to speak at our Rush Week banquet and I was elected to invite him. After stalling for a couple of days I finally got up the nerve to call his office. His secretary answered the phone and immediately put me through to his desk. Somehow I managed to stammer out our invitation, and to my surprise he readily agreed, even thought he had never been invited to our house before.
He arrived at the fraternity for the banquet a half hour early, driving himself in a four-door Chevrolet. He proceeded to shake hands with everyone in the room, leaving goggled-eyed stares in his wake. During dinner he spoke for about 10 minutes, describing his time in the fraternity and giving a few thoughts on the upcoming season.
My fraternity ended up with the largest pledge class in its history that week, and I give all the credit to the willingness of a great and humble man to spend time with a group of young people who would probably never cross his path again.
Thanks for the memory, Coach.
May the LORD keep you and your family eternally in his loving care. Your friends and fans in New Mexico miss you already,
I come from a family with a long Longhorn tradition...PHDs, dentists, pharmacists. ..and devoted football fans.we love you, admire you, and will always have a fond remembrance of Coach.
Farewell, Darrell Royal. Your presence is missed. Your impact will last forever.
Thanks Coach for all the great Longhorn memories. You were a good man and a man who walked what he talked. You turned a lot of boys into good men thru your influence and example. Our country is better for it. God Bless you. Hook em Horns!
I was in my second year at UT when they hired the Coach, and was at he SMU basketball game when he was introduced at halftime as the new coach. God bless your memory Coach.
Coach put The University on the map for millions of people. He set an example for being the best, and people wanted to be like him. The came to UT to become the best, and to become Longhorns.
You made me want to become a Longhorn, will miss ya!
An Outstanding coach and Man. He brought many exciting and happy to me and my family.
Great memories, great person. You will be missed.
What a pleasure it was to meet you at the 2005 Rose Bowl. What a great ambassabor to football and life you have been. Thanks Coach
Hook'em
Doug Barfoot Lago Vista
Thank you Coach for making The University of Texas as widely respected as it is today. Although I was not yet born while you were coaching, your legacy still thunders across UT and college athletics. If more people lived as you did, the world would be a much better place. We'll miss you Coach.
Hook'em in Heaven Coach Royal!
I grew up in Seguin in the fifties and Darrell Royal was the only coach we knew for many years. He was an outstanding coach and a good man who was a large part of the lives of Texans. He has long been missed.
Coach Mrs Royal,
Your husbands legacy will stand the test of time. I became an avid Longhorn fan and "bleed burnt orange" due to Darrell's gracing the Univ of Texas.
Grace and Peace be with you both.
Deborah S.
I was born and raised in Austin and remember the days of going to games when Coach Royal was at the helm of the wishbone... and how Coach Royal was a man of integrity and character...A True Texas Legend...will be missed but not forgotten..
I first started following Texas football during the Cotton Bowl when Texas "beat the hell out of Navy" and Roger Staubach, and has continued to this day. That was the Coach's doing. My admiration for Coach Royal has no bounds. He was a great man, husband, coach and national treasure that will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Coach, and your memory will live on in our hearts forever. Hook 'Em!
Coach Royal, you will always be a shining light in Texas-thanks for the memories.
A truly great man! nuff said!
There have never been any better men among us...and never will be. Hook 'Em Coach!
Thanks for the memories. What a ride.
Your family was such an important part of my childhood. I remember when you first moved to Austin so many years ago. What great times we had!! So many special memories of Coach Royal and your entire family. Daddy will be glad to have a friend in UT Heaven! My thoughts are with you.
Margaret Rochs
May the Lord bless thee and keep thee,May the Lord make His face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. May Lord the lift his countenance upon thee and give thee peace. J. Pyle
Thanks for all the memories. May God Bless you for your service and contribution to so many.
When Coach Royal coached his last game in 1976 against Arkansas, I drove over from UT married student housing on Lake Austin Boulevard to stand and watch the game with my grandmother at her home on 1108 West 9th Street, where growing up, I had watched so many of his Longhorn victories with my late grandfather. As the game began, it was as if a major chapter in our family`s collective life was closing. Longhorn Nations is truly blessed to have had such a man in their lives.
Thanks for giving UT a beacon of integrity and honor. You will always be remembered for everything you did for UT as a coach and a human being. You were a shining example of what a man should aspire to be.
I was a very small tot, on my father's shoulder's, when we stood at the Austin airport one night and cheered with the rest as we welcomed our National Championship Longhorns home. What a great memory! Thanks Coach Royal for being instrumental in building my love for the UT community. I'm an adult with a degree from UT and a tattoo of a longhorn on my shoulder. My blood runs orange...but my heart hurts for the family left behind. God Bless Edith and family as they learn to navigate this life without you.
My condolences to Mrs. Royal, Mack, and the rest of the family. Others have aptly extolled Coach Royal's many accomplishments. For me, it seemed a small thing at the time, but to be a grade school classmate of Mack Royal, the new U.T. coach's son, gave me some special memories during those early years in Darrell Royal's career at Texas. Living in the same Brykerwoods elementary neighborhood, I had the opportunity to see that Coach Royal had taught Mack some of his best punting techniques, I was welcomed into the family's home for kids' play, and I was Mack's guest on the team bus ride to Waco to play Baylor. What a thrill that was to one of the early Knothole section ticket holders. Peace and comfort to a family who has said good-bye to a man whose character and life were of royal proportions.
Your traditions at The University of Texas will continue in the years to come. Thank you for initiating those Principles.
Now you're dancing with who brung you.
Thanks coach for all you did for UT. I was a UT student in the stands that cold rainy night in 1976 for your last game against Arkansas. I shed a tear then as I do now. Rest in peace. Michael Urbach, Fort Worth, Texas
I grew up a Texas fan and had much admiration for Coach. My thanks to him and Edith for touching my life. Hook'em Horns!
Coach, thanks for all of the memories. May God bless you and your family.
Coach Royal was an example of everything good in life. Rest in peace coach and God bless your family through this difficult time. But we are all a little richer from having you with us and having you as an example...HOOK 'EM HORNS !!!
All of us are poorer for his passing.
God Bless you Coach, you were an inspiration in my life. I was so proud to be a sponsor of your TV show. May you RIP.
Thank you coach for all the wonderful memories. My you rest in peace.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Darrell helped many individuals. We are all better for his time here with us.
Hook'em!
Thank you so much for representing the University of Texas in such a marvelous manner, Coach Royal. Miss Edith, my God richly bless you.
Royal's teams rarely were outplayed on the field. He was the greatest coach of the late 50's and throughout the 1960s.
Thank you Coach Royal for being such a great example. When I think of what makes UT such a great place, Darrell Royal is this first person I think of. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Royal and his family.
He was a father figure to all of us in the 60's. I have admired him all of my life. He legacy as a wonderful person will live long in our hearts.
Back in the day, when we were young, even then DKR was our legend.
Hook 'em Coach. You'll be missed here, but heaven got a great leader and person.
May God continue to use you in the wonderful memories and legacy that you left for us. I pray peace for all who knew you and loved you. What a blessing you were while you were here on earth ... a true champion!
Thanks for the memories! Thanks for the example.
You were my role model for sure! I learned a lot just sitting near you and listening at the Longhorn Club meetings in the 60's.
A great man and coach who will be missed by many. Thanks for the memories.
The Eyes of Texas will always be upon you-Coach.
Rest in Peace
A football legend and more importantly a great human being.
Coach made a huge impression on my daughter as a person.
May we always cherish his memory and do our best to maintain his love for life and UT.
what a great man. enjoyed having been at the university from 1970 to 1973
Thanks for all the memories... Thanks for always doing it right !! A Heavenly Hook'em to you and your family!!
Thank you coach for setting the standard. What starts here, changes the world. Hook em!
Thanks for being an inspiration and incredble role model to so many.
Thanks Coach Royal, you did it the right way. Our sympathy to the Royal familiy.
There was a standard that you brought to Texas ( personally and professionally) that no one will be able to replace or replicate.
Thank you for making this world better and the eyes of Texas a little brighter..
Not only a great coach,but also a great person.He will be missed.
We are sadden by your passing, but much better for your having blessed us with your wisdom and love. Our time with you will never be forgotten.
Your contributions to The University of Texas cannot be measured and only valued in the highest regard. Your integrity and honesty were instilled in the thousands of young people you influenced throuhout the years of service to Texas.
RIP Coach Royal. Michael A. Johnson '75
Darrell made a difference! He was genuine and was approachable. Ive been a longhorn fan my whole life and it started with Darrell. He will be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers to Edith and family.
You were the reason that my family started loving the University of Texas. We have had four people from our family graduate from there, and it has changed our lives for ever! I will think of you Coach Royal whenever I see a burnt orange sunset. Hook'em!
I was blessed with the great priveledge of running camera for Coach Royal's TV show in the late 60s. He was genuine, friendly, a great coach and a great Longhorn even though he played for 0U. God bless you, Darrell Royal.
Farewell Coach!! You will be missed!!
Darrell you always displayed grace, dignity and honor. Your were a true Texas treasure to a whole generation of Texans. We will miss you but not forget what you meant to us and what you stood for. RIP.
Coach,
You are the reason I became a lifelong fan. You will be missed.
Hook'em
Wonderful man, Texas Legend... Thanks for all the memories!
Thanks for all you did, may you RIP my friend, God please your family
My high school football coach, Darrell Tully, brought a group of team members to watch several workouts by the Texas Longhorns during spring training. I had an impression that I was watching an outstanding person in Coach Royal. Later, as an employee of The University of Texas at Austin, I could see those qualities on a continuing basis. God bless the Royal family.
Coach, we miss you and will be forever grateful for all the memories. Hook 'em Horns!
man is granted but a few short years to walk this earth. but, the great ones leave footprints for others to follow to eternity. coach royal was such a man. thank you coach for all you gave us. i am in your debt forever. rest in well earned peace.
Coach Darrell Royal. The name says it all! Thank you Coach Royal for all you did for the sport of football, but he was more than just a football coach. When someone ,mentions his name, not only does the conversation lead to football talk, but also to what a great human being he was! Coach you will be missed, but you left behind so many lessons that we will never forget you!
Rest in Peace, truely, "The Greatest American Hero"!
Thank you so much for the memories - May the Eyes of Texas always shine upon you -Hook Em
You will be greatly missed by all of us UT fans.
Thank you coach D and to your family. The Longhorn nation is what it is because of you...
Thanks for the memories. May he rest in peace.
When I was in fifth grade, back in the early 60s, we had a letter writing assignment and picking a pen pal. I asked Coach Royal to be mine. There was nothing more exciting than coming home from school one day and seeing an envelope from the University of Texas. I proudly took the letter to school the next day to show the World! And we continued to correspond, Coach Royal answering every letter I sent. He was always thoughtful and encouraging, even when I sent him plays with a few extra players on the field. Later, when my brother, a student at UT, went to his office to ask him to sign "Darrell Royal Talks Football" for my Christmas present, Coach Royal had a folder with my letters. The book still sits prominently in my bookcase.
I will never forget that experience or Coach Royal.
Rest in peace.
I had the honor of meeting Coach Royal once on the old practice field next to Roberts Hall in 1959. He was intimidating, charismatic and impressive. It was an experience I've never forgotten. (class of 1966)
I had tremendous respect for this man. I got to talk to him personally and he took time for me. He will be missed and those who met him left with great respect. God bless his family as they deal with their loss.
It will always be a fond memory of spending time with you at your house, taking pics of you on my Longhorn motorcycle!!!! RIP Coach!
I have always admired how well he treated his players.
You will always live in our hearts and prayers. Hook'em
I'll be 88 Dec 1. He was a rst class coach. He coached the Koys all friends and patients of mine
God bless you and your family
A legend as a man and as a coach.
Our family's real-life hero since the early sixties when my wife and I were students here. Thanks to him and Edith for brightening so many lives for such a long time. God bless.
The sun sets a beautiful burnt orange. Good-bye Coach! Hook'em and God bless your family!
As a freshman at UT in 1969 I attended the game of the century and Coach will always be in my fond memories as a student and fan. Jimmy Calk, Longview
Great Coach / Human Being
As a boy growing up in Austin. I enjoyed Saturday watching the horns play.You will be missed sir
Coach Royal may have been an Okie, but he was a Longhorn at heart.
Coach Royal, though I never had the honor nor pleasure of meeting you, I am proud to say that I am a Longhorn and Texan like you. You will be greatly missed around the 40 acres but your Legacy will live on forever in the hearts of every Longhorn across the world. May you rest in peace and your mind be free to spread your wisdom to those you meet in heaven. HOOK'EM
Thank you Coach for your many contributions on and off the field! Hook'em Horns sir!
A true Texas gentleman. I see many angels doing a \m/
I'll never forget our conversation about the importance of trust. Trust between a son and his father. Trust between a coach and his players. Thanks always for that moment. Terry Startzel
Thanks for all the memories of your great life and what you mean to The University of Texas. You will never be forgotten in the hearts of those associated with you!
Farewell,Coach! Thanks for all you did, for who you were; thanks for making this world better for you having been here.
Thanks for the good memories
He was and always will be a Great man with a Great Heart and Love of Humanity...
God Bless You
We won the National Championship my Freshman year at Texas, keeping Roger Staubach on his back all afternoon in the Cotton Bowl.Darrell Royal was a great man. To me, he WAS Texas. God bless you and your family, and Hook 'EM..
We meet you as a boy! And you treated us as Men! RIP Darrell...
Rest in peace, Coach. Be well Ms. Edith, and know that he was loved by so many.
From hearing Texas had beat Arkansas over the radio on a trip to San Angelo in 1969 to DKR attending the coin toss at our high school game a few years ago, he was, and will always remain, to me a legendary coach and gentleman.
Thank you Coach for making The University of Texas a place that people respect. While I didn't go to Texas, I have a son and a granddaughter that graduated and are very proud to call themselves "Longhorns". Rest in Peace. You will never be forgotten.
Coach Royal was loved by all and will be missed by all. My earliest memories of football are watching him Coach the Horns on TV. I was always so proud that he was the kind of Man who success never changed. God Bless Coach Royal and his family
Coach Royal gave me the thrill of my life. i am a songwriter (from Corpus and a huge Longhorn fan ) now living in Nashville and a friend and co-writer of mine Aaron Barker went down to Austin to do a songwriting event for Coach in '07. Aaron took a brick that i bought online that was a piece of the original DKR stadium before the demolition to have him sign it for me. Little did i know that Coach would take the time to call me. Unfortunately I did not hear the phone ring but he did leave me a message that i still cherish to this day. Oh but how I wish I had answered that phone! Thank You Coach for calling me. Its not very often that your hero gives you a call.
There were 6 men in my life that were (and still are) the people who I admired most in my life because of what they accomplished and the integrity used to accomplish it:
My grandfather G F Morris
My father Guy Hester
My H.S.coach Fred Hedgecoke
Tom Landry
Roger Staubach
Derrell K Royal
It was a pleasure to meet Coach Royal in 2008 during an indoor Longhorn practice. When I asked him if we could take his picture with my wife & I, my 17yr old granddaughter
said, "Pawpaw, they said NO PICTURES ALLOWED!" Coach Royal smiled and with a twinkle in his eye replied, "Honey, if "I" say we can take pictures, then we can take pictures!"
Rest in Peace
We will miss you Coach Royal. I was a fan and also enjoy the music of Willie Nelson.
You have gone up ahead, to light the way for all of us. Thanks for the memories.
My alltime HERO. The moment Iheard the news my mind started remembering all the times we were together. From the time he taught me how to kick a football when I was three years old in Grandma Harmon's front yard untill now. I think I could write a book. The last time I saw Darrell was at the Harmon County Athletic Hall of Fame. Fame. When I approched him, he called me by my full name W a y n K e n t.And gave me a big hug.Kent Metcalf (2nd Cousin)
coach royal you are my hero. nothing else to say but thank you!
Rest in peace Coach Royal. I barely remember when you were coaching but it is when I first became a Longhorn fan in California! Now I am a UT alum. I love so many of your axioms--especially about how a man can be judged by how he treats people who can't help him.
Hook 'em forever!
To the family of Coach Royal I am sorry for your loss and I hope God stays near to each of you providing comfort in this difficult time. Thanks for sharing him with each of us.
Thank you for being an outstanding representative of the University and the State of Texas. God bless and Hook Em!
I met coach Royal in 1968 and he was a man of great character. When my bothers wife passed away seven years ago Coach Royal called to let him know he was thinking of him. We dont have many men left like Coach Royal.
Our condolences to the Royal family. I became a Longhorn fan as a kid because of Coach Royal. They just don't make them like that anymore. Will be missed but always remembered. God bless.
Thanks for the great memories!
I came to UT 2 years after Coach Royal. He made me proud to be a Longhorn. I knew several people who played for him. Nothing but outstanding words. I remember seeing him walking one day near Gregory Gym and was struck by the purpose in his walk and the look on his face. He was a man who definitely knew where he was going and how he was going to get there.
He brought ingenuity to the game of college football and his love for his family and friends, the game, Texas football, his players, coaches and staff made him forever a Longhorn! Hook'Em Coach Royal!
I grew up watching Coach Royal and the University of Texas Longhorns. I was at the last game he coached against Arkansas. Daryl Royal set the standard for coaching excellence, character and loyalty for the University and for college athletics in general. He left a mark that will be remembered as long as there are Longhorns. Prayers and best wishes for the Royal family and friends. He was a great man
Coach Royal showed us all how to live with integrity. I hope to honor his life by living mine with that same integrity. Treating all I meet with the same respect and compassion that he did. That is what he is still inspiring me to do. Thanks Coach for all you've done not only for UT but for all of us.
My condolences to the Royal family for your loss. As an adolescent growing up in rural Sinton, Texas I remember watching his TV show and becoming a Longhorn fan. Fifty years later he's still one of my heroes. We will miss him much. God rest his soul!
All Time Great.... Thank You for all that you did.
Coach Royal walked with me to the Aggie pep rally in 1963. This is a memory I will always cherish. I chose UT because of this great man! I sent both children to UT, and my son was an athletic trainer who enjoyed seeing him frequently. Hook 'Em coach and god bless you and your family.
Mr. and Mrs. Royal, thank you so much for helping me to cope with life itself through your wonderful work for the University of Texas. God bless you and all of your loved ones.
In time, as this disease runs its course in me, the full, rich life that Darrell passed to all of us through his memorable witticisms, will fade and disappear. Meanwhile, I'm buoyed by knowing that, to the end, he danced with who brung him.
It was my pleasure to know and share some laughs together.
Guns Up and Hook Em
A role model for young coaches everywhere. Mr. Royal you will be missed. Thank you for all the great memories. Hook Em!!
Coach Royal is a true hero of mine and the patriarch of the Longhorn family.He will be missed but never forgotten.
My prayers go first to Coach Royal, who was so brilliant at what he did and so humble about who he was, that God most assuredly welcomed him with open arms. I also pray for his wife, Edith, and his entire family, who misses him far more than we. We still have you with us, Coach, in your words and in the film of all your gallant victories. You have inspired us all.
I remember my father had a book about DKR on his bookshelf...quite the memory considering this was in 1969 and my father also coached football. Hoping for peace for Coach Royal's family.
All-Time Great. Will be missed
What a shining example of how to live. A winner who did it with honor, integrity and humor. Thanks Coach.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal family. He is not only a legend but more importantly he is a great husband and father making him a great man.
My prayers are with the Royal family. Coach, thank you for the memories. (Longhorn Band, 1972-76)
met coach Royal in port arthur many years ago when he was here to sign cotton spiers , i will never forget the conversation and will always think of him, may he rest in peace.
My condolences to Coach Royal's family. He was and will always be a Texas legend.
Roger Carrillo, Texas''83', Little Rock, Arkansas
Coach, you were a great man and a great family man. You built an outstanding program with honor and pride. You also made a big inpact at Mississippi State in the 50's that people still remember you in Starkville. Coach Royal and John Wooden did it right and won, plus helped make men be all they could be on and off the field and court. Thank you and may God bless you coach and your family.
To Mrs. Edith and the Royal family, I had only met Coach a few times, but it still feels like I lost an uncle. His smile and good spirit were examples for all to follow. May God wrap His comforting arms around you, and all of Longhorn Nation, knowing that, because of Him, we will meet again.
Coach Royal,
We will never have another like you at the University of Texas. Thank you for everything you did. You will always be remembered and loved by the Longhorn community.
Reynaldo D., Houston, Texas
great man he will be missed on the field but he will be looking down on the field during all the games. HOOKEM
Coach was the best! Great memories of his teams. Thanks Coach R.I.P.
Dear Edith, We are so sorry to hear of Darrell's passing. Our condolences to you and your family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless, Christine and Bruce Channel.
What a wonderful person! We watched him many years with great admiration and pride -- loved beating Roger and the Hogs!
I have been a longhorn since I was born 53 years ago. Coach Royal will be severly missed. Rest in peace coach!
I grew up on Lafayette street in Austin, which is not far from the stadium.I have so many fond memories of going to games,like the '62 Arkansas game. Texas football made us all proud.Thank you Coach Royal, for you made us try to be the best we could be.
God bless you, Edith and family. Coach Royal inspired so many of us to believe that we could do whatever we set our minds to if we worked hard enough.
B.S. Natural Sciences 1972
M.S. Computer Sciences 1977
Your record speaks for itself. I met you one time and you didn't care whether I was important or rich. We talked for several minutes about great moments in Texas football history. You treated me like an old friend.I have a picture of you that hangs in my office.Hookem Horns!
darrell Will always be the gold standsrd By which all texas coaches must live up too. You will alwasy be my coach. My condolances to Edith and family. He was a great man. RIP coach , Love you, Hook'em horns
Edith,
Thank you for sharing Coach with everyone all these years. All of our lives are better for having known Coach and you. Prayers and thoughts to you and your family.
I had the great fortune to meet Coach Royal a few years ago and he graciously sat and talked with me for about ten minutes. A true gentlemen in just about every way. God Bless to Edith and the rest of your family. Hook 'Em and may you rest in peace, Coach.
Life Member, BS '03
A fond farewell to a champion and a class act. Thanks for the memories.
What a classy guy. Had the pleasure of meeting him several times, and each and every time, we visited like old friends. He was one of a kind. What a joy to have known him.
I grew up on Longhorn football as I moved from state to state around Texas as a child. Coach Royal represented everything my parents taught us to be, confirming their value system in me. A Great Man!
Mrs. Royal and family....Coach Royal will be irreplaceable...he was a true legend as a good man, brilliant coach, kindest friend, and champion to so many. It was a true honor and delight everytime I was able to say hi in person and give him a little hug/handshake through these years....Heaven is "celebrating Univ. of Texas Longhorn style" with his arrival amongst the angels. Hook Em, Cathy Munson and parents, Charles and Dorothy Munson
What a true legend. Prayers to all family and friends.
one of the greatests influences in my life. He once went out of his way to help me and I will never forget.
Eddie H. McCord, MD
Thanks for the memories and being the man that you were. May you rest in peace and God contiue to bless those that you loved.
DKR - what a legend you were, not only in Texas, but in Oklahoma as well. You inspired so many. God bless you and Edith, and say hi to my Poppie for me, he passed a week before you. Y'all have lots to talk about, he was such a big UT fan. Boomer (I'm an Okie) and Hook 'Em.
I first met Coach Royal when I was 10 at Camp Rio Vista with Mack. He gave our group of 10 ten-year olds a thrill and great encouragement. He not only set records on the gridiron, but also for the most number of golf holes played in the shortest amount of time. I know he played 54 holes in one day and heard he even surpassed that. I played golf with him and learned what wind sprints really were. Now 50 years later a legend, icon, mentor and family man is gone and will be greatly missed. His warmth touched so many and his memory will live on.
Edith,
I got to know you and Coach Royal when I was a young boy and lived near you when you lived on Belmont Circle. I have such fond memories of those days, being around your family and attending Longhorn games as a boy scout usher. Many years later I had the privlege of playing golf with Coach Royal and as I related to him my stories of those past days, I could see a smile come to his face. I will never forget how gracious he was to me that day. I shall always miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless.
Coach - It will not be the same without you on our planet. May your words and actions inspire kids for generations to come, because, the world would be an amazing place with every kid looking to Coach Royal as a role model.
Coach Darrell Royal - a man I never met, who had a great impact on my life. Longhorn Football inspired me to attend The University of Texas at Austin. I committed to attend UT back in the mid-70's, although I didn't graduate high school until 1986. I enrolled my first semester at UT in Fall '86 and graduated from UT in Spring '90. Thank you, Coach Royal, for indirectly shaping my life through Longhorn Football. Hook 'em Horns!!
Was a great coach and even greater human being.
MR. ROYAL MADE ME LOVE THE LONGHORNS FOR LIFE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! R.I.P.
The way a person makes us feel, is what we remember most about them. Coach Royal, made us feel loved, and a part of the UT family. Our prayers are with your family at this time.
Dear Edith, we wish to express our sorrow at Darrell's passing and want you to know our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless. Christine and Bruce Channel.
Ira and Betty Fariss. Coach Royal was the only sports hero I ever had.
Coach - a legend in two great states. Boomer and Hook Em' . . . rest in peace.
I had the opportunity to meet Coach Royal at the Little Rock airport a few years ago when he flew in for the Broyles Award Ceremony. I asked him if he remembered saying that playing Arkansas in Fayetteville was like parachuting into Russia? He smiled and said it was true. I told him that I loved living in Arkansas but that I was a Longhorn first and forever and during football season it sometimes felt like I was living in Russia. He laughed and gave me Hook Em Horns. This country has a very limited supply of great people and it has just lost one of it's best.
I had the pleasure to meet Coach Royal in Sunday School Class.
I had the pleasure to meet Edith. Our prayers are with you Edith. Coach Royal meant so much to us. He autographed a paper for my son. It is in his Bible. I will never forget giving him the Hook Em sign to us. My parents would see you in the Century Dance Club sometimes. They are UT graduates. They love you all too... I love Coach Royal always. He is our angel in Heaven now. He will be greatly missed. Libby Harless Yancey- I am kin to the Littlefield family at UT by the way... Love you Edith! His coaching career meant so much to us! He was the best and loved by all!
As a Texas Star from 57 to 60 I was able to get to know DKR as the Longhorn Band and the Texas Longhorn football team were often on the field at the same time. Later on in the 90's as the General Manager for a monthly publication Senior Lifestyles I was given the chance to interview Darrell and his wife Edith in their home. So my condolences to you Edith and you and Darrell will always be in my fondest memories. BFA '61
Our condolences to the Royal Family.
Edith, we pray that God will comfort you and your family in the days to come.
Coach Royal was a great coach and a great person.
During my tenure as a cheerleader at UT 59/60, I first got to know Coach Royal. Later on in life I was Vice President Marketing at Southwest Airline and the Coach and Edith flew with us a lot. I also was fortunate to play in all the Darrell and Willie golf tournaments and sat many times in the Coach's hotel suite a listen to fabulous song writers in a "Pickin" that lasted into the early hours of the morning. What a great contribution Coach Royal gave to the University of Texas and the legacy that he left. I was honored to know Coach Royal.
Hook Em Horns
Thanks for the memories...
Life Members...1552 &1553
Just to let you know how much we love both of you. Darrell will be missed and you will be in our prayers.
Love Belinda Fortenberry Slack, Joe Slack, and April Slack
Coach Royal,
Thanks to you, my college career was spent at The University. You were an icon for all of us whose parents knew you both growing up in Hollis and later on the national stage. Thank you for all you have done for all of us!
Hook 'Em Horns!
I feel blessed to have attended UT while Coach Royal was there and I am especially grateful to have gotten to meet him. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with Mrs. Royal and family.
RIP Coach DKR Texas loves you Hook'Em !!!!!!!
From The Ortega Family
Coach,You made watching football very exciting. Thank you. May God Bless and be with your family at this time.
Coach Royal came into the barbershop for 50+ years and I never once saw him deny anyone a picture or an autograph. He was always very social and never was in a hurry to walk away. I would ask coach if he'd mind signing a football or shirt or flag for me. Coach would respond,"The day you don't ask me to sign something is the day I will mind." Coach will live forever in our shop and will be missed.
Marcos Sanchez & Joe Sanchez
Sportsman's Barbershop
Our condolences to the Royal family..Praying that God will comfort and give you all the strengh..we will always remember, what a great coach Royal was, and will truly be missed by all..May God Blessed you all..
Coach Royal was an amazing person, indeed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Edith and the entire Royal family as we remember this remarkable man.
Thanks for all the great things you did during your lifetime. What a wonderful example for others to follow. Enjoy eternity with your Maker.
I will miss you, friend! Thanks again for all the "coaching".
Coach Royal will burn burnt orange in the heart of every Texan. He was one of a kind, and his memory will always be honored. My prayers go out to his family, his wife Edith, and to his former players and coaches, which are his other family. May God give you solace from grief and be with all of you.
HOOK'EM HORNS DKR WEE LOVE YOU AND U WILL BE HIGHLY MISSED
A great man, a great coach and a great teacher of life. May you rest in peace.
Hook Em Horns Connie Mickelson
He was truly a great man and we are so
thankful for the big part that he
had in our lives. We were truly blessed
in knowing him.
God Bless you Edith and your family.
Tom and Barbara Pate
Not only a good coach, but a good man. We have lost someone who has touched the lives of many.
In November of 1969 my then-four-year-old son, playing with an old electric football game, said an opening prayer for his Longhorn vs Aggie game. In it, he thanked God for the day, asked protection for the players, and then said, "And thank you that Texas is the bestest." I heard him and sent Coach Royal a letter, telling him about the incident. Coach Royal typed out a note in reply. It was dated Nov. 11, 1969, and was on his personal memo paper. My son has it framed and hung on the wall at his home. He is now a pastor in Maryland and has followed the Longhorns all of his life. What can one say? Coach Royal, we miss you and love you. What a terrific guy! Prayers and thoughts to your entire family.
I want to express my sorrow upon hearing of Coach Royal's passing. My husband of 34 years,David Bartek played for Coach from 71-75 and passed away Jan.31'12. David would want me to extend our condolences as a family and also on behalf of my late father, Allan Brandes, who thought the world of Coach Royal. David was so proud to be a Longhorn and to have played under Coach Royal. He wore his T-ring Coach gave him with great pride. David introduced me to Coach one night. I was honored to meet him and will always view my graduating from UT as a result of the pride and honor Coach Royal and fans bestowed on the Longhorn tradition.
God Bless, Jen Bartek and Brandes family
Thanks for the memories...
(Class of 1964)
All Longhorn faithful will carry fond memories of DKR, Words cannot express the impact he made on the entire student body for 5 decades.
You were an awesome Coach. God bless you always. I did not know you personally but your kindness and your love for football was one thing that stood out. Hook em Horns. RIP Coach, your legacy will live forever
Thanks for the lessons and memories
Hook 'Em Horns!!! Forever,R.I.P coach
I am so very sorry for the loss. My Dad, ALTON COPPAGE thought the world of Darrell. I have heard many stories over the years..so proud to be from such a special town as Hollis..Darrell was such a special person. Patti Coppage Goolsby
Mrs. Royal, I was very sorry to hear the news, but know that Coach is in a better place. We'll all be together one day! He was the best coach UT ever had. I'm Aaron's brother, Jaime, and hope to visit you next time I'm in Austin.
May God be with u Mrs. Royal and your Family we love you all so much. We will keep your family in pray.
From one sandhiller to another, You came from good stock and we always followed your games, Ed and EArlene Stegall-Hollis ok
Thanks coach for the memories and letting me know UT is a lifelong family. 1988 class.
Sorry for your loss ,may the God of tender mercies grant peace during this difficult time.
Darrell came to Texas my first year there, turned around the football program and never looked back! I have respected and honored him since I was a 16-yr-old Freshman Texas Star Twirler and will always remember his friendliness both on and off the field. God Bless him, there's another angel in heaven!
Your legacy of Texas football has blessed many, not only at UT, but across the country. Thank you for the speech you made to us on the 1961 UT track team before we went to Rice for the Southwest Conference Track Championship Meet where Baylor, who had broken our streak of seven conference titles the year before, was an overlwhelming favorite to win. I am convinced your speech played a part in our winning the championship to give Clyde Littlefield his 25th championship in his 40 years as UT's track coach. Thank you for your encouraging us to do what no one else covering track in the media thought we could do.
Thanks, Darrell, for your coaching career at UT. I came to The University of Texas in 1963. WOW!!! What a time to be there. Many Thanks!! Marty Lederer Stuyck
Well done, good and faithful servant, saint, steward and star.
The entire Longhorn Nation shares in the Royal family's grief. We have lost an special and irreplaceable symbol of the integrety that UT stands for. It was my very great pleasure to have met Coach Royal in Fort Worth in the late 1990's, and it is an experience that I will always treasure. He stood for honesty, accomplishment, and great pride in all endeavors. I am proud to be a UT graduate, and even prouder to have been there while Coach Darrell Royal was a driving force in the success and glory of the school. HOOK 'EM, HORNS!!!!
Thank you for the wonderful memories on and off the football field. God bless your family and friends as they take comfort in His love for them.
Thanks for the memories. Larry Frazier
We were so blessed to know Darrell and Edith; you have touched our hearts and we send our hearts to you in these days.
Kent and Joan Bohls
I am also from Hollis, Oklahoma and lived across the street from the Royals on N. Morton Street many years ago. My parents, Ralph & Ruby Patterson thought the world of the Royals & followed Darrell's coaching career. What a wonderful family. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
To a great coach, man, husband, and a molder of young men. You will be greatly missed by many but, we have some solence in that you are now in the hands of the Lord, at peace with no more pain and suffering. RIP Coach, you will never be forgotten.
You are a great Texas treasure for all Texans to share. Thank you so much for everything you did in your lifetime. Hook'em Horns!
DAN METCALF- BORN IN HOLLIS ,OKLA ALSO. COUSIN TO DARRELL ROYAL ANS ALSO HIS HIGHSCHOOL COACH JOE BAILEY METCALF. DARRELL-YOU WERE ONE IN A BILLION.
May God bless and give comfort and peace to the Royal family.
Robert Danford
UT Class of '63
You will always be the greatest Coach ever! We will miss you dearly but I know the good lord has brought you home to a wonderful place in heaven! God bless you and your family!
You gave us so much joy in bring us Texas fans great teams year after year. you will be missed but never forgotten
You made me proud to have been a Longhorn in the stands, first as a Boy Scout selling seatback cushions, then in the Longhorn Band for your last years on the sideline. Wabash Cannonball and The Eyes will always echo through Memorial Stadium in your honor.
My son and his Hollis Tiger teammates are wearing DKR #11 on their helmets tonight in their playoff game in honor of Coach Royal! I will be a forever Texas Longhorn fan because of Darrell Royal.
Rest in peace! Tina Shelby Scott
Coach, may you rest in peace. Hook'Em! Texas loves you.
Thanks for the wonderful memories. Earle L. Jones, Jr.
Coach, I'll never forget getting initiated along with you by being thrown into the Littlefield Memorial Fountain, 1957 . . I was a freshman "Texas Star", and we thought you were incredible, as a NCAA Coach of the Longhorns and as a special human being . . it was there at U.T. I met and married Jennings A. (Bud) Garrett . . see you in heaven!
We'll treasure the memories and your good advice.
darrell royal took over at texas in 1957, a year after i was born in electra, texas...my dad, frank emrich, told me it was about that time he became a longhorns fan...my dad followed coach royal as a player in the big 6 at oklahoma, so it made sense for him to follow royal's career in austin...together, we watched the texas-ole miss bluebonnet bowl in the mid 1960's and the consecutive cotton bowls against tennessee, and notre dame twice...and of course, my dad and i watched the 1969 texas win over arkansas in fatyetteville...my dad always spoke glowingly of coach royal and it was thrill for me to actually meet him on the street while parking for a home game at memorial stadium while i covered the state capitol for the texas state network...it never made sense to my friends in new orleans that i grew up a texas fan, but i owe it to my dad and his love for coach royal...
We never met but I always admired you cousin.
As a girl, Darrell and Edith were the loving grandparents I never had. I will forever cherish their love and generosity and will never forget Darrell's bright smile, gentle spirit, and kind heart. He will be greatly missed by all the hearts he touched and inspired. <3
It is rare, even in Texas, that a man lives up to his legend, but Darrell K. Royal was such a man. May God bless his memory and may God comfort his dear family in their loss.
A great coach, and a wonderful man, Coach Royal you will be missed.
He made us fall in love with our University of Texas football team, from the first game to today. God Bless his family, Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us all.
Coach Royal, thanks for all the fun times we had watching all your teams win over the many years. You will be missed.
What a great person you are.I Love ya man.
Hook'Em Horns
May God provide strength and comfort for his family and close friends,
May the God of all comfort be with you as you struggle to cope with the loss of your dear loved one.
We have lost a legend but the memories of this wonderful man will live on. Hook 'em! -Ruth
Darrell was a great coach and a great man. I became a Longhorn Fan because of him and I have been one ever since. May God Bless Him and His Family!
DKR has now met Jesus; no more suffering & whole again. I have some special angels I call on when UT is in a bind, 1st being my son Bobby Binford who cheered for UT in late 70s, then there's 2 more cheerleaders, Jose Pena & Pam McGee, one player Cole Pittman, Coach Landry & now I have the best coach ever in my group of angels. I'll bet Bobby & the other 2 cheerleaders were standing at the River Jordan ringing their cowbells & cheering on "Coach" as he crossed the river to sit at the feet of Jesus. All we can do is Praise God for such a miracle. God bless you Miss Edith & Mack & all of your family; prayers are with you at this time. Can just imagine what all is going on in heaven right now with football talk & golf games; right??? Bet Coach & Cactus & other "cronies" that have gone on before them have already got a golf game going; Hook Em Coach Royal.
I had the good fortune and pleasure of attending UT throughout the 30 game win streak years, but what was even more memorable was the continual class, humility and sincerity that Coach Royal displayed throughout his entire life.
I can remember the time when he participated in a charity golf tournament in Houston after he had retired and my wife had the good fortune to be assigned as the official scorekeeper for his foursome. My father-in-law, a die hard Longhorn fan all of his life, was watching from the sidelines. M wife asked Coach Royal at one point if he would just wave to her dad sometime during the round. Instead, Coach Royal brought him under the ropes, gave him his golf cart to ride in and took a picture with him. My father-in-law thought he had died and gone to heaven.
Did Coach Royal have to do any of this, absolutely not, but it was just his nature of being a quality individual of the highest caliber in everything he did and his consideraton towards just ordinary people. My father-in-law is also gone now, but that picture of him and Coach Royal on that day will always be a treasured family heirloom, but more importantly, and a true testament of the quality person Darrel Royal truly was.
The 2012 Hollis Tigers football team are in a playoff game with the Okeene Whippets Friday night on Darrell K. Royal field. Their spirit
sign says DEDICATED TO THE LEGEND #11 DKR
You will be missed, but not forgotten!
The most impressive individual I ever met
in sports.A man for all seasons and a man's man.Thank you for the friendship.
Coach Royal was agreat coach but he was a greater person, he will be missed.
Julian Lopez
i will miss you ray mason hookem horns
I will never forget The Dallas Morning News Sports Section 1957 entitled "The Shot That Sank The Sooners". Thanks for all the memories Coach.
Thank you for all you brought to the University and the great state of Texas . You were one of a kind
Hook'em Horns
the greatest person in our wonderful University's history. Margaret Kiefer BA 1969
As a five year old child, my Mom took me to a Texas football game. The fans kept booing, and I asked my Mom why. She said they were saying Worster. I've been a Texas fan since. May God bless The Royal family.
Thanks for the memories, Coach. You were a great winner on and off the field.
From the "Knot hole section" as a young person with John Rodgers as the UT Assistant Dean of the College of Education, and my father, Joe Barnes, watching in the major sections of the stadium, I watched UT Games in the knot hole section,and then through my years as a student at UT from 1965 through 1969, and as a graduate student from 1970-1973 on the sidelines with two graduate students in wheelcheers, we cheered on the Longhorns and Coach Royal. Tonight I have my UT flag in Hendersonville, NC, flying for our Coach. I was in North Carolina in 1969, cheering the National Champions on during Viet Nam, standing on the top of a mattress in a hotel room when James Street threw the winning touchdown. Tonight I wish the Royal family well and I know that Coach is in heaven with John, Joe and Freddie Seinmark and the other Longhorns, with the Burnt Orange and the "Hook-ems Sign" and reviewing all the great plays, players and the Tower is burning burnt orange. We send our support to Mrs. Royal and the rest of the family. Jim and Bettie
When people would ask me where I was from, I'd always say, well my hometown is Hollis, OK same as Darrell Royal. RIP Coach.
We will miss: A great coach--a gentlemam,
and a gentle man.
Prayers to the family. Thanks for ALL the memories and you have made us PROUD to be a LONGHORN FAN.. RIP Coach Royal and Hook"Em
The best coach that every lived.
Darrell Royal and the Texas Longhorns were our fall Saturday afternoon entertainment throughout my childhood. Happy memories! Thank you, Darrell Royal, for the integrity you possessed and displayed. There will never be another sports icon in our family as respected as you were. Our thoughts and prayers are with Edith and the family.
God bless the Royal family and The University Of Texas
he was a great coach and person god has another great man
Edith and family my prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time, yes Darrell was a great coach..icon..most of all a great man..because growing up in Hollis,Okla. I didn't know of him as a professional..and accomplishments he had under his belt, but just a kind and nice gentle man in my (child eyes ) my family was always proud of Darrell...and proud to say he was from Hollis,Okla. God Bless his family, and may he rest in eternal peace. Sincerely, Diane Kirby
Our heartfelt condolences to the Royal family. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you. With deep sympathy,
Coach, there is not enough space to tell you how much you taught me about football and about defeating adversity.
There will never be another coach like you.
Hook 'Em
My thoughts and prayers to the family of Coach Royal. He was a gentleman who handled his teams with a velvet glove, and taught the young men entrusted to his care to become men.
With deepest sympathy,
He will be missed, what a great man, Love and prayers from the Adams family
Lisa Adams(Patterson)
Coach Royal was my coach at Mississippi State in 1954-55. He will be missed by
his MS fans.
The world has lost a great man and an icon in College Football.
RIP Uncle Darrell - Love from Barbara Jean White Overly clan in Pennsylvania
STAN M. BROOKS
THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF MANY HAPPY FOOTBALL SATURDAYS. YOU WON WITH INTEGRITY AND
HONESTY.
College football, the Texas Longhorns and the State of Texas will never be the same. Coach Royal signed a book for my daughter several years ago at Dell Diamond. He was so gracious, so caring, so thoughtful. We had a wonderful conversation. Hearing just his name, it was immediate respect. Thanks for the memories! My thoughts go out to his wife and family. Your loss is so close but shared by so many.
The world has lost another gentleman. Coach Royal always knew the game was about his players and not him. He was an inspiration to Texas and to college football, we will not see his likes again.
The Lord's peace and comfortnbe with Edith and the Royal family.
Thanks Coach.
Thank you for all the memories! You were one of a kind! Our concolences to your wife and family.
You will live in our hearts and memory forever and we all shall see you again!
When I was a young high school coach and visited the UT football coaches office, Coach Royal and his staff always made me feel welcome and would share their ideas, techniques and film without exception. He was a great coach and better man. Our prayers are with Edith and the family.
I was a young girl in school at Tipton, Oklahoma when I met the Royal family. I have not seen them since but they have all stayed in my heart and prayers forever. They treated everyone with love and respect and it did not matter where you came from or what you did. He will be greatly missed, but this is the Begining, not the end. Love to the family and friends!
I attended UT in the 70's. No one will ever replace Coach Royal in our hearts. Horns up and Hook 'em. Prayers to his family.
We so enjoyed seeing you & Edith at church. The persistent smile on your face & in your heart was so warm & welcome. You will be missed dearly.
I was Head Cheerleader the year before Coach Royal came to Texas and took a 1-9 team to the Sugar Bowl his first year. He personified the greatness of our University in faith,character and leadership. What a wonderful legacy he leaves us all. Deepest condolenses to his family.
Godspeed coach,
I can't remember a day in the sixties when the name Coach Royal,didn't come out of my dads mouth,Coach Royal will be deeply missed.
RIP coach! You will be missed!
You made UT and Texas football what it is today. You were such an outstanding coach and more importantly a great human being. Your legacy and memories will live on in all of us. May you enjoy many a burnt orange sunset in heaven. \m/
Grew up watching u every saturday..my favorite coach of all time. Dad painted my '65 cutlass orange in your honor...thanks for the memories
When I think Texas football, I think Daryl Royal. I spent 4 years cheering my Baylor Bears on--sitting through rain and heat and cold only to watch my Bears be bested by UT each season--sometimes in the last seconds of the game. May he rest in peace.
You were the GREATEST! God Bless
I loved to watch your teams and the emphasis you placed on the kicking game, now a forgotten strategy. RIP
Love you Darrel, I grew up thinking you were my "uncle Darrel" but later realized you were my dad, Newell McDaniel's first cousin. My Prayers are with you all, Anita McDaniel
I was lucky to be at UT during the Darrell Royal years - he was a great coach but an even greater person. I had my picture taken with Coach Royal and James Street during a UT-OU Golf outing. I sent it to him and he made sure both he and Street signed it. It will always have a special place in my home. Rest in peace Darrell Royal, you will not be forgotten.
Don Dolezal - Class of 1967 (Dallas, Texas)
Hookem Coach, and god bless
Coach Royal is one of the reasons I do what I do. Thank you for that. Hook'em Horns.
Coach Royal, if the value of your life was measured by how many people you deeply touched you would be a trillionaire!
Thanks for the memories coach.
Great Memories of a Great Gentleman , Coach and Human Being. May God continue to Bless you on your next journey
Not just a winner, but a real class act! A great teacher. He will be greatly missed. Prayers go out to his Family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Royal family. He is and was a Legacy that will never be forgotten. RIP Coach Darrell Royal you will be truly missed! "GO HORNS" Burnt Orange & White Baby forever!!!
We will miss you Coach, you meant so much to so many people.
Your great legend will live on
You were a class act all tbe way around. Thanks for the memories Coach Royal. Hook Em Horns in heaven!
Thank you Coach Royal for the memories, the victories and your outstanding character. I was 9 years old when you became head coach at UT which is when I became a fan. God Bless
May you rest in peace Coach and may God bless your family. I will ever be grateful for you taking the time for an interview with me when I was working at a small radio station near Boston and you were in town to play Boston College in 1976. You gave me so much time you would have thought I was working for a major network! Please say hi to Jones Ramsey as well. God Bless
My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal family. Great coach,but better man!
... thanks Coach for everything you helped me with ... I never had a better friend !!!!
A true Texas legend ... rest in peace Coach.
Coach Royal, Thanks for the memories. God Bless you and your family. You bring back memories of my youth, visiting in your Onion Creek home, autographs from you and Charlie Rich and winning football games. You were the best of the best and will be missed from Texas forever.
Coach Royal, You were a Great Coach and ag good Man and a wonderful Friend..
The Longhorn family lost one of its best but the legacy that Coach Royal leaves behind is incalculable in so many ways. Thank you Coach Royal for everything you did for our school and for our state. You will never be forgotten.
Mike Stephenson,
UT, Class of 1986
My thoughts and prayers are with your family now. You gave us some really great memories. Say hello to Tom Landry when you see him in heaven.
Prayers for Edith, Sammy Mack, grandsons, and the Royal family. May your days ahead be filled with the wonderful memories, and cherished moments. Blessings of peace and hope, with prayers.
Coach Royal did things the right way. Proud to have been a fan.
From my family and I , our deepest condolences to Miss Edith and Coach Royal's entire family . He and the Longhorns have been such a wonderful part of my life since 1959 . I actually met him the day before the Baylor game in 1963 and he signed my UT cap . God bless you Coach Royal .
As a UT ex and great fan of all things UT I am sad of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bobby Lange
WHAT A TREMENDOUS LOSS TO LONGHORN NATION.MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.HOOK EM'HORNS!!!
Today Bevo will kneel on one knee as we all pay our respects to Coach Royal! Thanks for the memories Coach.
Dear Edith, For all you and Coach did for our state, our school, and our boys, I thank you. j.sowell
Thanks Coach. What a tribute you were/are for the University of Texas. A gentleman with a class and caring act plus a terrific sense of humor.
Class of 1962
One of the best men I've ever known personally,,, gonna miss you Coach...
Thanks for so many good times.
Coach I became a longhorn fan in 1963 watching the Texas-Baylor game. You were the best. Will miss you
I was so sorry to hear that coach Royal had passsed away. He was a great man.
My condolences to the Royal family. May the God of Peace be with you during this sadden time in your life. Rm. 15:33
I am a Sooner fan and the Red River Rivalry against Texas has always been a big part of my year. Darrel Royal, over and above being one of the nations greatest coaches, was a truly great man. My prayers go out to him and his family. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Being a life long UT fan - Darrell Royal's name was up there with Patton and MacArthur in my household. He stood for football greatness and created an entirely new landscape in the hearts and minds of many. His legacy will endure.
My mother & uncle (Barbara & Phil Bryant) were in school with DKR in Hollis so I always felt I knew him. He was & always will be a legend. My prayers are with all the family.
As a longtime Longhorns fan (who got to see the great teams of the 60s) thank you, Coach Royal, for everything.
Brilliant coach, teacher and gentleman.
Great competitor.
Bob Savage, Wimberley, Texas
My thoughts and prayers our with the family at this time. Just a note about Coach Royal, I was just four years old when the team won their first national champioship and my dad took me to the airport there in Austin to greet the team. I will never forget that Coach Royal took the time to give me a hug and a handshake and I have been a Longhorn fan eversince. He was a good and decent man.
Met Mr. Royal at a golf tournament in 1982 in Houston. He was a gentleman and we will miss him. Rest in peace and............
Hook 'em horns! sharron o'connor odle
Our heart and prayers are with Coach Royal's family. My husband worked on his home here in Austin many years ago, and was saddened this morning when I told him of Coach's passing. Much sympathy goes out to his family and he will be greatly missed. Hook `em horns. Janet & Tim Butler
What STUNNING news. I salute DKR for all He has meant to THE University of Texas. Such a positive legacy for a future generation of people coaches and players. Prayers foe Edith and family R.I.P
Coach Royal gave so many wonderful football memories to our family. So proud to be a Longhorn because of men like him. Blessings to the Royal family. The Steve Taylor Family
RIP-Darrell. Although you ended up at Texas, you'll always be a Sooner. Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Skip Moline-Keller, Texas and fellow Hollis High School Alum
The family of Leland Crabb, a long time friend of Darrell Royal, is very sad at his passing. We all were from Harmon County, greatest little place on earth! Signed daughters (Carol and Lyn) of Leland and Miralda Crabb
A legend indeed. Thank you.
My prayers go out to the Royal Family
Thanks Coach for all you did.
You brought lots of joy to many people.
I still have the newspaper clipping of Coach Royal acknowledging Freddie Steinmark as he came across the stage on his crutches. Such an inspiration, a legend, and the reason I became such a devout Longhorn football fan. My prayers for the family in the passing of this amazing man.
The most unassuming Legend I ever knew. Therefore he was loved by all who met him.
Coach Royal exemplified all the wonderful, good, deep and true things about football and the character lessons playing the sport taught to countless young men.
We are grateful for all he did for us growing up during the glory years of the Texas Longhorns. His humble, sincere and winning attitude will live on in the hearts of many people who's life he influenced and who respected and admired him greatly.
May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family for this giant of a man. What a great man and wonderful coach. Longhorn nation will be eternally grateful to him. He and Freddie Steinmark are probably telling great stories right now.
I am so sad to hear of Coach Royal's passing. He is a person that will never be forgotten. Coach Royal will remain in my heart until I see him again. My deepest sympathy to his family.
The Royal family is in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you, Coach.
It was not unusual for Coach Royal and football team members to show up at night time Longhorn Band practice in Memorial Stadium. We knew him and he knew us. The band and the team were a family and we all treasure that time that we knew him. He would join Mr. DiNino on the sidelines at practice and sometimes have Willie Nelson in tow to watch, listen, and visit.
Mrs. Royal and family, I did not have the honor of personally knowing Coach Royal, but my family is grateful for the coach he was and most importantly, the man he was. You are in our prayers. "Horns Up" .
I was growing up in Austin and discovered football age 8 in 1969, Mr Royal and his squad have been my heroes ever since
Worked for Coach Royal on a project for a day in 1979 in his office. Polite, happy to talk to a nobody like me. It was just a pleasure listening in on his phone calls (one to James Garner). Heaven is a better place today.
Well now God will have D.K. Royal to coach his team. He is now reunited with his loved family members and former players. All teasippers hearts blead burnt orange because of coach Royal.
Hook em Horns
Thank You Coach for being such a great figure for my team, city and state. You are now and will forever be remembered for the impacts you have made on so many peoples lives. I wish you and your family the very best and know that your in a better place now. Hook'em from Heaven Coach Royal!
My Dad went to high school with Darrell. I enjoyed knowing Mack and Marian when they visited Hollis during summers. Hollis has lost its "favorite son". My sympathies,
He was one of the best football coaches of all time. When you talked Texas Football you always always mentioned the name Darrell Royal
I grew up in Austin loving Longhorn football and Coach Royal. Thanks for all the wonderful years. You will be remembered and missed.
Thanks, Coach Royal, for a lifetime made much better by you and my Horns.
Wayne Griffith
Say hi to Cactus. We miss you both.
So sorry for your loss...
Hollis, OK my home town - Ruby Patterson Holland
To a great coach who will always be
remembered for his contribution to
college football.
Thanks Coach for all the great memories . May God be with your family .
Thanks for everything coach.
Edith and family, those of us who also claim Hollis, Oklahoma as our home town were proud to call Darrell family, friend or neighbor. He made us proud as a player and coach. Our hearts and prayers are with your family and pray for great peace to cover all of you through the coming days. We bless you in our mighty Lord's Name.
As a business customer of Sprint I was invited to play in a golf tournament they were sponsoring in Austin. They put me to partner Darrell Royal. As an English immigrant businessman I had no idea who he was. I introduced myself and sat in the golf cart and off we went and it became quickly apparent he was well known. People were coming out of nowhere to shake his hand etc. While he was putting I asked a fellow golfer in our group who is this guy who is my partner, and he looked at me in amazement. "You don't know who is Darrell Royal" he exclaimed. He told the other guy and they both laughed.
I have a photo of Darrell and me playing together, it's in my files somewhere and I don't have time to look for it now.
I have to say he was a very gracious man and a pretty good golfer to boot. I enjoyed his company that day.I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his widow.
Loved watching his teams growing up and admired him greatly. I'm so glad UT Yonkers him the way they did while he was alive. Rest in peace Coach..rest in peace.
Sorry to hear of Darrell's passing. Knew him when I was a seventh grader and he was a senior. He graduated with my brother Joe Boyett. Enjoyed your posts about him in Bob's website. It is sad to you but you can think of how much better he is doing where he is. I also listened to all the OU ballgames when all the Hollis boys were playing.
I grew up in Hollis and knew the Royals. Of course Darrell was our famous hero. Sorry to hear of his passing. May God comfort his family.
You are the Texas Longhorns and we will always thank you for those years you gave us.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
R.I.P. Coach Darrell K Royal (DKR) - a truly number one, class act, outstanding and legendary coach that will always be remembered in the history of Texas Longhorn & College Football. "The pride and winning tradition of the Texas Longhorns shall not be entrusted to the weak nor the timid." Hook Em Horns!
A fond memory of Coach Royal: winter, 1977. I'm standing at a UT shuttle bus stop, shivering in a cold sleet. A burnt orange T-Bird swerves to the curb, the window rolls down, it's Coach! "Son, it's too cold out there - where you headed?" Next thing I know I'm being warmed by the car heater and by Coach Royal's friendly chatter - the weather, the new AD gig, the latest country music. Dropping me off for my class, he tells me to "keep warm". And I am to this day - by the memory of your kindness, Coach. My thoughts are with the Royal family and all the Burnt Orange Nation.
Horns Up!
hi this man will be missed he really was a good man but now he is with god now
I first met Coach Royal when I was a freshman at UT in 1971. I went to his office in Memorial Stadium and he treated me like we were old friends. He was the best coach and an even nicer gentleman. What this world has lost is Heaven's gain. Hook'em Horns Coach Royal, you will be missed. God bless Edith Royal and her family.
If I've known better men than Darrell before, it was in a past life. He was a great friend and mentor. The ultimate gentleman who found something positive in everything. If you were negative with Darrell, you weren't with him for long. I'll miss him tremendously, but I know that I'm being selfish: he's in a better place after an exciting and wonderful life. And wonderful Wife. He loved Edith and continuously expressed how lucky he was to have her.
He was and always be the greatest coach of all time!he changend football and all of football in the great state of Texas! He will ALWAYS be remembered,missed and loved! WE have GOD and Darrell eyes apon Texas now and always watching!Rip Coach!
Coach Royal
you made Longhorn Football what it is today, I and lots of other Longhorns are 4ever grateful to you
Safe travel to your forever home with the Lord, and God bless your family
I will always remember Coach Royal's kindmess to me as the wife of one of his players and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Edith
Coach Paul Bryant will always be University of Alabama Football and Coach Darrell Royal will always be University of Texas Football. Hats off to UT for honoring Coach Royal while he lived, so he and his family could feel the tremendous respect and admiration that Texans had for him.
Some of my greatest memories are sunshiny autumn afternoons spent with my dad watching the Longhorns play football. I spent much of the games watching the man in the white shirt as he would stalk the sidelines and constantly put his hand up to lick his fingertips. I only knew him for the football years as that small figure down there, or from the coach's show with Cactus Pryor, or the stories of newspaperman like Blackie Sherrod or Dan Jenkins. So much has been written over the past years about his life including his personal losses or his friendships with a wide range of the well known or obscure, but what has constantly come through was his character, that mixture of strength, honesty, class, and drive that probably came from his Depression-era upbringing. He turned countless boys into men and gave them the tools to succeed in life far beyond sports. He touched so many lives that way and through his personal charities which he mostly kept private. He and my dad were a lot alike in my mind and the loss of Coach Royal is like going through the loss of my dad six months ago again. The world is a little smaller and darker place knowing that he is gone. My deepest sympathy to Edith and the rest of the family and to the Longhorn family that all join in mourning him. James Leath UT '84, '92, son of Bob Leath UT '48
Coach, I was 6 years old when you came to Brady for "Scott Appelton Day" in the spring of 1964. I thought you were a giant ten and after these many years I know now, without a doubt, you were. I wish for your family comfort during this time and enjoy your Mexican food and cold one.
Coach Royal was a very special person. A few years ago, I boarded a flight to Houston. They had closed the doors. The doors were re-openned and Coach Royal came down the aisle. The only empty seat was in the rear. At almost each and every row, someone would stop him and say hello or stand to shake his hand. His example to others will be greatly missed.
Boomer Sooner!
Coach: Thanks for all the memories and quips. You are the best! I grew up on your ways, and appreciate all you did for Texas.
There was never a person too "unimportant" to spend a few minutes with for Coach Royal. Whether you were a parent, student, aspiring child-of-sports, a fan, friend, competitor or recruit...Darrell Royal always made you feel special and valued as a human being. Those qualities escape so many these days...he, his kindness and his genuineness will be missed beyond words. Thank you for your legacy, Coach. Our prayers go with you, your family and all those who know and love you. You will be deeply missed.
TEXAS lost a legend today! Coach Royal was truly a "CLASS ACT" and set the bar high for those to follow. Everyone knows the awesome one liners he made famous. Thank you, Coach Royal for all the wonderful memories you gave me. I still remember that Saturday night in the locker room after TEXAS beat Arkansas in 1976. Both you and Coach Frank Broyles announced your retirements. I feel so blessed to have been a part of your last class recruited at TEXAS. Thank you for allowing me the privilage of wearing the ORANGE and WHITE. I wear your "T" ring proudly!Condolences to Mrs. Royal and family!The Eyes of Texas definately shine brighter because of you!
Richard Slaydon ('76-'79)
A great COACH ...
A great LEADER ...
A great MAN ...
An exemplary life for others to emulate ...
What a fine fellow!
Rest in Peace, Coach Royal
Rest in Peace Coach. I will always the Street pass to Speyer to defeat Arkansas.
The
'Eye's of Texas'
Are Truly
Upon Us Now.
You will alway be remembered as one of the greatest coaches ever. I grew up watching you coach games. God bless the Royal family.
I have been a Longhorn fansince I was amiddle schooler. I grew up with Coach Royal, coaching those all importmant games in the late sixties. And was devastated when he retired. He remained a man of honor, that I most admired greatly. Coach you will missed!
This is such a loss of a fine human being and a great football coach He was also an irreplaceable mentor to myself and lots of young men. We miss you yet Coach and we love you. God bless and RIP...
I was a shy UT freshman in 1965 when I heard Coach Royal say he too had been shy and afraid once but he decided he wasnt going to let it stop him from achieving his dreams. You inspired me and many others Coach. Thanks and rest in peace.
Coach, we will miss you, You made us proud to be a longhorn. My prayers and condolences to the Royal family.
Coach Royal will always have a special place in the hearts of Longhorn fans he will be missed.
Darrell Royal is a hero to a great many people as a gentleman and a role model, as well as a football coach. He was a huge blessing to all of us who love UT and those of us who love football (and clever commentary on the things that happen in football games). Thanks for the memories, and all you've meant to all of us, Darrell.
J. Michael Parker, BJ '73.
San Antonio
I was only five when my Dad taught me the Hook Em Horns..I knew no other and knew no other than DKR,,,a legend and will never be forgotten,
A great friend, a great Coach and maker of men. So glad I was part of his era. RIP, I will miss you. Hook 'EM.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal and UT family.
God Bless Coach Royal and God Bless Texas...
I was a tiny girl when Coach Royal began coaching at UT. He retired during my husband's years as a UT student. My family loved (and still loves) Longhorn football. Memories of seeing Coach Royal and his teams from the knothole section of Memorial Stadium and at the bonfires before the Thanksgiving Day game remain as some of my fondest childhood memories. Today I feel like I have lost an old friend. RIP Coach Royal. Thoughts and and prayers are with Mrs. Royal and family.
Darrell and Edith you have been special friends thoguout the years and always welcomed us into your home.
Thanks for the many memories that you have created for us all.
Joe and Carol Birdwell
Mrs Royal and family,
I grew up a longhorn fan but was still quite young when he retired. Years later and as a UT grad, I had the awesome fortune to fly on a private plane with Coach to Dallas and back'. Just the two of us. It was and will forever remain a tremendous highlight of my life. What a role model'. I'm a better man for that conversation.
With sincerest respects,
Luke Bellsnyder. Austin
Thanks for the memories of great teams and a great coach, especially during the 6 years beginning June 1958 that I was at UT. Coach Royal was a fine coach and a fine man.
Those of us that were fortunate enough to know Darrell Royal realize that he was a great coach, but an even greater person during his life. Said he was not deserving of all the awards, because he was just a coach doing what he loved. But we know better. This was his down to earth style and low profile. With love and respect to a great man and coach. May God bless him ,Edith and the entire family during this sad time.
This is a man and coach that will be remembered always as the greatest Texas coach ever.
We are so sorry to learn about Coach Royal. He was always so friendly and had a beautiful smile whenever we saw him while we visited my mother at Querencia in Austin. We will miss him and we offer our sincere condolences to all of his family.
Janis and Bill Zimmerman (UT '67)
Coach Royal brought integrity, dignity, class, perspective, and a culture of excellence to the football program and to The University in general, in addition to the great success on the playing field. He is an exemplar for ethical conduct and gentlemanliness. He was the first to hire a "brain coach" to help team members succeed in academics. Mack Brown is a worthy successor to this legacy.
Coach. Thank you for giving me the chance to be a roverback on your team-Enjoy that Barbecue in the hereafter!!
I was fifteen when Royal came to Texas. I was listening on Radio as they beat Oklahoma. He and Texas were always my heros, forever
Edith- What a great man and partner in life. I was so blessed to know both of you during my years- "60-64" and for my 70th b'day- have a signed football and pic of you doing so. What a special memory to have known Both of you. Thanks for wonderful memories! Jessica Darling Sylvester
I didn't become a Texas fan until Coach Royal was in the latter part of his career. Even when I wasn't a fan of Texas I was always a fan of Coach Royal. Thanks to all the U T folks for holding Coach Royal in such high regard. He's a hard act to follow.
My deepest condolences to the Royal Family. Coach Royal's memories will live forever with all of us Horn Fans. We will miss you coach but you will never be forgotten
I entered UT the Fall of 1957 (along with Coach Royal) and enjoyed six years of great football. I was privileged to have been selected a cheerleader the Fall of 1962 when Bill Melton was head cheerleader. The integrity of Coach Royal was always an inspiration. Hook em'
Thank you Coach Royal and Ms Edith for making me the man I am today. Both of you are very important in my life
Gary Pearson
T Letterman
1973-1977
Houston, Texas
God speed DKR...you will be missed.
"The world as we know it...constantly in flux. With the passing of Coach Darrell Royal early this morning we have one less Great and Precious man gracing us with his presence. Condolences to our family which extends through him to all those whose lives he touched in innumerable ways".
Mama Edie & Mack, we love you and our hearts ache with sadness.
thanks for all the memories coach.was honored to know you.
You retired just as I was becoming aware of football at 5 yrs old, but listening to my father go on and on about what a fine coach and gentleman you were made me feel like I was there to experience it all anyway. RIP coach and Hook 'Em!
To quote another great American, "Thanks for the Memories!" The memories you provided us will always live in the hearts and souls of every Longhorn!
I was privileged enough to be at UT during the glory days of the Wishbone - UT will not be the same without our greatest coach and our greatest spokesman. My sincere condolances to the family and thanks Coach for all the great memories!
The life lessons he left for us all with but a few simple and famous quotes are a legacy few will ever achieve. God bless you Coach Royal.
I WAS A SENIOR CHEERLEADER @ UT WHEN YOU ARRIVED AS OUR NEW HEAD COACH. WHILE A DAILY TEXAN HEADLINE READ "DARRELL WHO?", IT DIDN'T TAKE BUT A GAME OR TWO IN '57 TO START FILLING THE STADIUM AGAIN AS YOU PROVED YOU WERE INDEED JUST WHAT THE LONGHORNS NEEDED TO PUT A LOSING SEASON BEHIND US TO PROCEED TO START WINNING MOST OF OUR GAMES INCLUDING THE THANKSGIVING DAY UPSET OF BEAR BRYANT'S #1 A&M TEAM IN COLLEGE STATION & EARN A WONDERFULLY UNEXPECTED TRIP TO THE SUGAR BOWL. IT SIGNALED THE START OF MANY YEARS OF MANY LASTING UT TRADITIONS THAT YOU EITHER AUTHORED OR ENCOURAGED.
THANKS, COACH ROYAL, FOR THOSE & SO MANY MORE UT MEMORIES THAT ORANGEBLOODS EVERYWHERE GREATLY VALUE. WE'LL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR YOUR SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR UNIVERSITY.
HOOK 'EM FOREVER!
I had the pleasure of chatting one on one with Coach in Century Plaza Ballroom in Santa Monica the night before UT beat USC at the Rose Bowl back in Jan. 2006. He was truly a genuine gentleman... Bigger than llife. I'm glad we had a beer together and shared small talk while standing over a keg back stage in the green room. Long live the Coach!
Hook'em horns, Coach you will be missed,
RIP Darrell
Darrell K. Royal was the greatest legend to coach the University of Texas Longhorns that ever lived. He will dearly missed by everyone. Hook'em .
My prayers and condolences to the Royal family.Coach Royal was a great coach, and human being, God welcome him into Your Kingdom.
We will always dance with the one who brung us, and your legacy will always live on in the stadium that bears your name. Hook'em and thank you coach.
I cut my teeth on UT footbal during the Darrell Royal era. He made UT football an iconic institution and did it with class and cleverness. Thanks for all the memories, Mr. Royal.
As a young girl in the early 60's, I went to UT games with my Dad and learned about football watching Darrell Royal on the field with our beloved Longhorns. I was in awe of him then, and remained in awe of him throughout his life. He simply could do no wrong in my eyes--thanks for blessing us with your light, Darrell!
What a privilege it was to have known you and shared some very personal moments. You have been a mentor and friend to so many people. We will always smile when we think of you.
a-ten-hut there is "The Coach" in the room. A man, football coach, father, and outstanding citizen. God Bless Coach Royal.
Praying for the Royal family. Thank you Coach for your lifetime of service to UT sports and academics. You will certainly be missed and always remembered. Hook'em.
You were the best .. thanks for continuing to make me feel the pride of being a Longhorn. Class of '61
RIP Coach Royal, I remember watching you coach as a young boy and thought that the University of Texas was the best school in the nation. I still believe that 60 years later. You will be truly missed. God Bless the family and may HE fill the void.
Coach Royal - my Dad was a head coach out in El Paso in the'60s - you were a great inspiration to him and me... and we both became Longhorn fans because of you..Joseph Valencia BBA 1979 Hook Em'
DKR's passing will not only leave a void in all our lives, but in the hearts of everyone who knew him. His memory will always remain deep within our hearts. Thanks for being a friend.
Coach Royal and Mrs. Royal are amazing people and I'm truly blessed to have had the pleasure of meeting and knowing them. Like everyone who has been touched by this incredible man, our prayers are with Mrs. Royal and her family. Hook'em
Coach you will be miss. May God Bless you and your family. The eyes of Texas are upon you. Hook em Horns
God Bless you Coach Royal. Your magnificent character permeated all of
your players and all the people who had
the privilege to meet you. Your spirit
will always be a shining light to Longhorns around the world.
Rest in Peace, Coach Royal. One of the all time great coaches and a one fine gentleman.
Rest in peace, Coach Royal. Thank you for your dedication, sportsmanship and memories you created for all Longhorn fans. You will be missed.
Coach's passing will not only leave a void in everyone's lives, but in the hearts of everyone who knew him. DKR's memory will always remain deep within our hearts. Thanks for being a friend.
Thanks for all the wonderful memories Coach. You will always be remembered.
Darrell Royal was more than UT football - he was football. His impact on the sport in Texas and throughout the nation will long be remembered.
A great man with a truly humble spirit. You will be missed by the many whose lives you impacted in so many positive ways. As a UT grad (1976), my time there was made richer because of the example you set and the integrity you demonstrated each and every day. God's blessings to your family.
My mother died in 1974 but until that time, Darrell Royal's name was spoken with the reverence usually reserved for her minister or the President of the United States. My parents were OSU graduates but they adored Coach Royal and I developed a love for the Longhorns too. What a great coach and human being...rest in peace, Coach and "Hook 'em Horns".
A wonderful man who was a credit to the coaching profession and to The University of Texas.
May God bless Coach Royal's family in this time of grief.
Horns up...RIP Coach Royal. Those of us who had the great privilege to know you will certainly miss you. Thank you for everything. And always...Hook 'Em Horns
A true Texas legend who will always be remember.
May you rest in peace, Coach Royal. My dad, Vince Matthews, was a QB for UT in 1957-59 era and has always respected and loved you as a coach and as a human being. Thank you, Coach. May God Bless.
A sad day for the Burnt Orange! Coach Royal has been one of my true heroes for over 50 years. Thank God for Coach and may He bless and comfort the Royal family and the Longhorn faithful.
This country has lost a true football legend and college football owes so much to him for making it part of the core of our culture that it is today. Being raised as a Razorback fan in North Little Rock, I saw him elivate the words rivalry and sportsmanship to new level. Now, living in San Antonio, my memories of Coach Royal are of his love of country music, frequent visits to the Riverwalk, friends (Cactus Pryor, Frank Broyles, & Willie Nelson), and Texas Hill Country golf. What A man. God bless him. Thanks for the memories!
Always a class act !! He made us all proud to be Longhorns !!!
What a wonderful example of a man, sportsman, educator, and respected individual of gentile finesse. He was the example for all Longhorns and beyond!
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Coach you will be missed, but your name will always be tied with the greatest coaches ever to coach the game.
Hook "em"
Coach B
Coach Royal was the epitome of class, determination, respect, and leadership in all of his endeavours, not just football. May God bless him and his family in their time of need.
Coach Royal, God bless you and your family. As a person of faith, I know where you are: on the 50-yard line at DKR forever, 'cause that's heaven.
Till Gabriel blows his horn,
Paul Begala
BA '83; JD '90
Coach Royal you will be rememebered as a Great Coach and one of the Greatest ones in Longhorn History. The respect you gave your team and friends was way above what words could say. RIP as you will always be remembered. Hook'em Horns.
Coach Royal was a larger than life figure to me as a kid growing up in Austin in the 60's. I treasure the memories of the games & standing outside the locker room afterwards to get a glimpse of players and him. I did get his autograph that I still have in my office today. He will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of this great man. He was one of the greatest men that I had the pleasure to know! Thank you DKR for everything that you you did for college football and the University of Texas. My condolences to his wife Edith, grandsons David and Christian Kazen, and his great grandkids!
Rest in peace, Coach Royal. You ARE Texas football and will be sorely missed. A great guy and a class act.
I am truly sadden by his passing, I first met Mr. Royal when Mack and I were at Camp Rio Vista . He was a great man and role model. Our prayers are with you all.
Longhorn fans around the world will miss you coach Royal. Prayers to Edith and the Royal family. The eyes of Texas are upon you.
Over six decades, I had two personal meetings with Coach Royal, two events that stand out in my life as major turning points. He was a person beyond what I can express with appreciation, respect, and high regards. You were one of the very significant people of our time. God greets you with a good coaches' position which I am sure you will serve in with great distinction.
RIP Coach. You were one of a kind!
I was a student at UT Austin during the heydays of the early 60's and I NEVER heard a bad thing said about this man. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He was a Prince of a Man.
What a fine and humble human being. I am sure their are some heavy hearts in and around the 40 Acres today but his spirit and his wisdom run through all alumni of UT and we will make sure he is not forgotten.
My condolences to his family, friends, coaches and former players. Texas has lost one of its finest people today and the Tower should reflect that tonight. Thanks for everything that you did for UT and the city of Austin, Coach.
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
I grew up with Longhorn football and Coach Royal. My grandfather worked in the athletic department and meeting him when I was 6 was an inspiration. Though he retired the year before I started at UT, he has always been and will always be Longhorn football to me. Thank you for sharing your life with us, Coach.
Rest in Peace Coach Royal. Mrs. Royal and family you are in my prayers.
Thanks for a lifetime of memories.....
You were in the twilight of your career when I first became aware of The University of Texas football program as a young child. However, I revel in reading accounts of your teams' successes. From all accounts, you were a man's man and a gentleman. UT and the world need more men like you. Rest in peace, Coach
My dad was an original Austinite and he impressed upon my at an early age, what a wonderful man and coach Darrell Royal was. Hook em
WHAT AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS AND SUCH A GOOD MAN WITH A HEART OF GOLD YOU WILL BE MISSED,IM PROUD TO BE A TEXAS EX AND BE PART OF YOUR HERITAGE AND TRADITION YOU ARE LEAVING BEHIND,PRAYERS TO YOUR LOVE ONES,RIP DKR
As a Texas Tech fan who loves college football, and who has spent most of her life in Austin, I wanted to send my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and members of the Longhorn Nation. Anyone who loves college football is mourning the loss of Coach Royal.
The legacy you leave is one of greatness! Coach you will be missed.
It was an honor to have met Coach Royal and visited with him on several occasions as a UT student '62 - '67. He was always thoughtful, humble and interested in others; he is THE proof that high character, honesty and hard work make the most successful leaders and winners - he IS the standard! Our thoughts and love for Miss Edith and your family! Hook 'Em, Coach.
I'm so sorry to hear about Coach Royal. He was a dear man. God Bless you Coach!
I was born and raised in Austin. For as long as I can remember, Darrell K. Royal has been a prominent fixture in the culture and society I grew up in. The mention of his name and a Longhorn's heart will swell with pride and confidence...and a touch of humility. The Longhorn Nation has lost a great man...but we will always have the legend that is Darrell K. Royal. Rest well Coach. Texas will miss you.
Thanks Coach! Texas is diminished by your passing.
God Bless Edith and family.
Pat Moden, Austin
God bless you, Coach Royal, working with you was an honor.
Coach Royal always made me proud to be a Longhorn (class of '68). I know from my own mother's battle with Alzheimer's how devastating the disease can be. So Rest in Peace, Coach, you have fought the good fight. May God watch over your family in their time of sorrow.
I remember meeting coach royal in lufkin in the summer of 1956 he brought the entire texas football team with him to attend my ex panther team mate Edward Hawkins funeral who was killed in an accident in la. between his junior and senior year ----have been a longhorn fan every since--a great man a great coach --hope to see him again
Best wishes to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Texas lost a wonderful man and a legend. My sympathy goes out to the family. Know that Coach was loved by many. He will be sorely missed. Hook 'Em!
Darrell Royal is the reason I became a Texas Longhorns fan. His integrity, principles and legacy are the reason I will always remain a Longhorns fan. Thanks, Coach, for just being the best Darrell Royal you could possibly be. God's comfort and peace to the Royal family.
Thanks Coach. You were always a class act and professional. I still proudly wear my DKR T Ring. God Bless you and provide comfort to your family. Hook Em.
The '63 win over Navy and the '69 wins over Arkansas and Notre Dame will always rank among my favorite sports memories.
Thanks for doing it with class, Coach
R. Riggs Sour Lake Texas. UT class of '69
My deepest sympathy to the Royal family on your loss. I never personally met him but his wisdom inspired me and his teams were not too bad either. I went to UT for a Bachelor and stayed for a Master (1969-1975)
Godspeed Coach Royal.
Dennis Winsett
Atkinson, NH
Coach Royal was one of my Life Mentors.
He taught me much and I am proud to have had the opportunity to have known this great man!
Sincere condolences to Edith and the Family. May the Good Lord Bless Coach Royal and the Family.
Bill Melton
UT Head Cheerleader, 1962-63
Coach, I learned a lot about life from the prespective you gave meand the thousands like me. The lessons you taught to anyone who followed Texas Football will survive for ever. The honesty, ethics, and morality you taught will stand the test of time. Thank you for your years of service. I miss you aready.
You were a class act, a gentleman, and an example to us all. May God bless your family. Rest in peace
Fare Thee Well Coach Royal !!!
Blessings to the Royal Family and Friends
HOOK'em !!!
1st class all the way,one of a kind,God bless him and his family
I was in my twenties and waited on him at Barton Creek Country Club and he always gave me a hug and we said hook em' what a great man!
Thanks for the memories, coach Royal. RIP
Coach Royal,Thanks for many great LONGHORN seasons..you inspired all the longhorn nation...may the EYES of TEXAS ..always be upon you!!!
Coach,I will never forget you!You were my HERO!!You were the best!Always had something good to say!I still cherish playing golf with you.I remember you saying that God gave you talent,yet you have to supply the effort!Act like you been there before!May You rest in Peace!!Go Horns!!
Three things can happen when you throw the football, and two of 'em are bad. DKR RIP, Coach.
Coach Royal it was a pleasure being able to meet you. You are a true TEXAS LEGEND. Rest In Peace.
I was at the University from 1970 to 1977. Darrell Royal was then, and will always be, "Texas Football." He is in that pantheon of football legends, one of those larger-than-life people who will never be duplicated. Huge loss. May he rest in peace.
I always enjoyed Coach Royal so very much...he coached some hellacious teams over the years, gave us some national championships, and was an all-around 'good guy' Warmest regards and condolences to his UT family. Hook 'em, coach!
Coach Royal is a legend and an inspiration. He will be dearly missed. I pray that God sends his angels to comfort the family left behind. The Eyes Of Texas Are Upon You Coach.
I had the great pleasure of knowing coach Royal, the greatest leader of young men ever. The University was lucky to have had him as their Icon.
God bless the entire family.
I teach elementary school and have taken our kids to UT basketball games every year. Many times we would stop by to shake the hand and maybe get a picture of the great coach as he sat in his section on the diagonal at the Erwin Center. He was always gracious and obliging, and would throw in his advice to work hard in the classroom.
as a child playing football we ran the texas wishbone. texas left option right straight to the pearly gates.
God Bless You and your family Rest In peace
Coach Royal, you were one of a kind!! Such a great man. You gave me and so many other fans some great moments in Longhorn history and you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace!
so many great memories of back in the day at UT with Coach Royal & Longhorns ~ thanks for everything Coach!!! sending Thoughts and Prayers to the Family
The eyes of Texas and DKR will always be upon us, all the live long days.
Thanks for all the great years, Coach Royal! I am a life long Texas Longhorn -- from early 60's until now, all becasue of you! Gabriel blows his horn in your honor, sir...
A great loss to UT and the State of Texas.
Jan and Jim Showers, Hillsboro, Texas
A truly honorable man in a world where being honorable is often a liability. Longhorn Nation exists (and has its cachet) because of Coach Royal. He may have come from Oklahoma, but he will always be a Texas Longhorn. Hook 'em!
Thanks Coach for all the wonderful memories with friends, family, and fans. Texas is blessed to have known you.
Hook'em from above Coach!
I was at U.T. from '64-'68 and attended almost every single football game. Coach Royal, I will never forget how proud I was to say "Hook em Horns" and I still am today. Thanks for making a path in heaven for those of us still to come.
It is a very sad day. Good bye coach Royal and prayers to family/friends.
Hook'em.
Gary Wells
Edmond, Oklahoma
Coach, aside from being the greatest coach UT ever had, I will always remember our golf game, save me a place on your foursome. My sincerest sympathies to the "Royal" family.
God bless the Royals and thank you for lending us Coach Royal for so long. Hook 'em!
Coach, You are a special part of my life. I grew up around you, our families and dearly beloved friends many of whom are welcoming you on this blessed day. God bless Edith and Family. Much love to you always!
One of the greatest and loved coach's in college football since the beginning'
God Bless Darrell Royal!!
A true Texas legend.
Rest In Peace.
I was one of many UT students who were so fortunate to meet Coach Royal in the hall or elevator at Belmont with him starting a great conversation. Thank you Coach! Prayers and thoughts are with the Royal and UT family.
Well done,Sir! Rest in Peace, Coach Royal.
Edith-You and your husband were always so kind to me. Coach Royal transended just being a great coach. He became in some ways like Will Rogers. Things he said were sometimes life-changing if we would look deeper into the meaning. He without a doubt was the greatest psychologist the game ever knew. I transferred into school in 1962 so my original Texas roots came from him. My first game to see was the Mel Renfro Oregon game in 1962 and what I now know happened at halftime and what I saw unfold tells so much about Coach Royal and I have never been the same. He gave me a sideline pass for the 1968 OU game so I could experience that magnifient event. Most of all, I was just one individual of many, but every time I would see him, or pick him up at an airport, he made me feel like I was important. We were all made better for having known him. May his spirit be the standard to guide us for our future leadership. Thank you Lord for sharing him with us.
Watch the western skys for the best burnt orange sunset ever! Hook-em
RIP Coach! You are such an inspiration to Longhorn fans and I know you will be missed. I will think of you when I go to the games! I am keeping your family in my prayers.
Thinking of all the great games I got to see under a legend. He will be missed. My heartfelt sympathy to his wife and son.
WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT TEXAS AND FOOTBALL THERE IS ONLY 1 COACH THAT COMES UP
DARRELL K ROYAL TRULY A TEXAS LEDGEND AND A GOOD MAN. GOD BLESS TEXAS AND DARRELL ROYAL.
Coach, you will be forever missed. Perhaps in presence, but never in lessons of life learned. Being associated with you remains one of the highlights of my life.
Coach Royal, thanks for the memories. We are Aggie's but we respect the greatness you brought to your football program and the years of a great rivalry. God Bless you and Gods speed.
What a great story, I remember those years and what legacy Coach Royal built at Texas. I lost my "die hard" "Texas Ex" husband two months ago, so I know he will be glad to welcome Coach Royal into heaven....
What a great man to all who crossed his path. Coach Royal you will be missed
Thank you for the memories! Hook "Em Horns! !Vaya con Dios!
Cynthia A. Gonzalez
Coach Royal was a class act and respected by Aggies. He was a true gentleman and admired by his rivals on the football field.
RIP Coach
Greatest coach ever! RIP coach. My thoughts and prayers to the family. God Bless
Rest in peace Coach Royal. May the Lord bless Edith and your family. You will be sorely missed. Gabriel has blown his horn for you.
Coarch Royal was a great friend and leader. He was a mentor of strength and integrity to those of us who knew him. From the first day I met him, the hair on the back of my neck would stand on end when he walked into the room. We will miss you, and we are proud we knew you.
I attended UT during Royal's preeminent years, and I don't recall his ever not being gracious in either victory or defeat. He was always a gentleman with excellent character. All of us should be proud that he was one of us.
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
People like Coach Royal come along once in a lifetime. As a kid in the late fifties and early sixties I got to go to UT games because of the knothole section made avaialble by Coach Royal. I have many fond memories of Texas games with my Dad because of Coach Royal. I hope they have a football field in heaven because I know he is there. What a great man rest in peace Coach, a life well lived.
Chuck Buzan
My dad was a classmate of Mr. Royal's at the University of Oklahoma. I'm a UT grad who was a huge Darrel Royal fan. I'll miss him.
Ken King, Class of '74
A legend, and one of the best coaches ever. My hats off to you. Texas Fight!
A great man--I started attending Texas games in 1957. I cried the day Coach Royal retired. My sister has a picture of herself with the Coach. He will be remembered forever.
Hook Em ... and God Bless
Definitely a sad day in Longhorn country. He was a great man and a great coach who will be greatly missed. Thanks for all the memories.
Thoughts and prayers to Edith and the rest of the Royal family. Of course the Eyes of Texas will always be upon you!!!
Darrell Royal did as much to represent the state of Texas as just about any one in history has. His impact on UT and the state itself will live on forever. Rest in Peace Sir.
Darrell was a wonderful man, an excellent coach, and an exceptional role model! He'll be greatly missed on Saturdays at UT games!
Still cherish memories of the great games his Horns played. Once, thru my friend, Jack Crosby, Coach let me and my journlism class (TJeff-El Paso) use his Caddy. It wa my kids' highlight of Austin and UT . . . Vaya con Dios Coach-Andy Porras, Sacramento, CA
This is the passing of not only a great man but a great coach and we all in the Longhorn Nation will miss him. However, I know we will see Coach Royal later. God bless Edith and Family
I'm not a UT fan, but I've always thought the world of Darrell Royal. He was one of the very best. May GOD be with his Family and many friends.
Nothing says "Texas Longhorns" more than Coach Royal. I always enjoyed the spirit that you brought to the game and to Austin, but to Texas Longhorn football. There was a mirrored image between you and Coach Tom Landry, because of the respect you had for the sport, your organization and more so the respect people had for you. This world truly lost a very special person. RIP Coach Royal and now you go and help Coach Landry coach the Angels!
Rest in peace Coach, you were truly one of a kind. I will always have my memories of you and your teams back in the sixties when I fell in Love with Texas football. Your legacy will never be matched.
Edith
So sorry for your loss. Just know that Coach Royal will always be remembered as the most respected man in college football. I thank you both for touching my brother, Bill and his family's life.
May Bradley
I remember growing up, my dad talking about his cousin Darrell Royal and watching all the football games on tv. I'm sorry I never had the chance to meet this wonderful man. My prayers are with you in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
You will always be remembered for all you did on and off the field. RIP coach, we will always love you.
We lost a truly great man. He was a big part of my Dad's time at UT, and I was fortunate enough to meet him once. God Bless the Royal family
Coach, you have always meant the world to this city.
To your Family: Thank you for lending us this GREAT MAN.
As a child , I looked up to Coach Royaland still do! Thanks the great memories you have let me with
A great coach and an even better man. You will be missed coach. Thank you for all you did for our great university. Hook 'em and may you rest in peace.
Darrell, thank you for your
Contributions to the Longhorns. I love and admire you, see ya in heaven
I was a little Mexican American kid growing up in the barrio in Houston when I first saw the Longhorns on CBS TV. They defeated Roger Staubach and Navy in the 1964 Cotton Bowl. Since that day I fell in love with UT football and became a staunch follower. Coach Royal was always on the sidelines pacing back and forth and leading his teams to victories. From the days of Chris Gilbert, the big shootout, Jim Street, and Lam and Ham Jones. My dream was always to attend UT, but I graduated from the University of Houston instead. Nevertheless I was always a UH and UT fan. I admired Coach Royal always and was sad the day that he retired. God Bless you Coach Royal and may you rest in peace for all eternity.
Thanks Darrell for making my life a happy one; we Longhorn fans all had a swagger when you were in charge. The University just lost one of its' great ones. All of us orange-bloods, will keep on "hooking 'em for Coach Royal. from a life-long fan, Bill Haight
The Eyes of Texas are always upon you Coach! Look over us always as we all try to achieve greatness in our lives that reflects your leadership. We love you!
I met Coach while walking to class my first year at UT back in 1974. He struck up a conversation with me as we walked to Belmont and he was genuinely interested in me, what I was studying, my background, etc. For a 19 year old kid it was the dream of a lifetime to have a conversation with a UT legend.
Coach Royal was a class act and a true gentleman. Our University is a better place because of him and a sadder place at his passing. My condolences to his dear wife and family.
The Longhorn Nation lost a great man today.Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Royal family. May God bless you all!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal family on this sad day. Coach Royal was admired and loved by many generations of UT students and football fans. We will miss him.
John and Cyndi Vivona, Longhorn Band '69-'72
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope by means of undeserved kindness comfort your hearts and make you firm in every good deed and word.
you were loved by Austin, and will be missed. blessings to the Royal family.
A Texas legend passes. My thoughts are with his family and with all the people whose lives he touched and inspired.
Thank you, Coach. Love to your family.
Truly a great and a kind man and yes, a true gentleman
FSB Class of '75
The eyes of Texas weep for their pawpaw today. Thank you DKR for influencing so many Longhorns on and off the field. Gone but never forgotten.
I first met Coach Royal in Aug. '67, when he served as celebrity judge of Austin Aqua Fest's Kids' Fishing Tournament at the pond in NW Park. I was 9. I'd ridden my bike to the park with Zebco rod and reel and tackle box in tow. Back then UT paraphernalia was harder to come by than now, but I just happened to be wearing a white T-shirt emblazoned “Longhorn Country” in orange letters across the front. As Coach Royal walked down the line of kid fishermen, shaking hands and chatting amiably, he saw my shirt. His eyes lit up, he put his hand on my shoulder, shook my hand, and said, “I sure like that shirt! You oughta come to Texas, son!”
After that I was hooked. I went to all the home games I could, ushered as a Scout, saw the '69 Shootout against the Hogs on TV with Nixon in the locker room afterwards. My folks and I got stuck in horn-honking bedlam on the Drag that night as the UT Tower shined orange, with a big Number 1 (the first time I'd seen it). Three weeks later we watched Freddie Steinmark on one leg cheering UT to come back against Joe Theismann and Notre Dame to win the National Championship. My dad and I braved 18 degrees in Dallas at the '74 Cotton Bowl against Nebraska. Rosie Leaks was hurt, and we lost 19-3.
In Fall '75 Coach Royal took my cold call and railed against cheating in sports for 20 minutes in an interview I did for the Anderson High paper. (I also phoned Baylor's Grant Teaff for that essay, who said of college sports cheaters, “They're messing with a bird's nest on the ground!” Both men knew how to turn a phrase, and how to coach.) The next year I did go to Texas, and got to watch Coach Royal's last game, against his buddy Frank Broyles, as Texas beat Arkansas 29-12, to finish 5-5-1 and ensure Darrell Royal would never coach a losing season.
Darrell K Royal was a homespun inspiration to Texas fans, and his ethical style of coaching produced victories but also brought my family together, among others, as we cheered the Horns. Those memories, of glorious Saturdays punctuated by the strains of Vincent R. DiNino's Longhorn Band blasting out “March Grandioso” and “Patton's March,” the roar of the crowd, the smell of popcorn and peanuts (and of bats that lived inside Memorial Stadium) and the excitement of sharing a game with my dad and my friends, will forever be part of my consciousness. Thanks, Coach Royal… Godspeed.
Rich Tharp, BJ '80, MA ‘92
Austin, Texas
WOW...You will be missed by all...Thanx for your time and all the hearts you touched...
I am born and raised in Austin,Tx and grew up bleeding burnt orange. There never was a season that my family forgot to mention the great accomplishments and teams Mr. Royal contributed to the university and city. Coach Royal is in inspiration and his legacy will be passed to my children and grandchildren as well. May God Bless you Darrell Royal.
TRULY A SAD DAY
REST IN PEACE COACH ROYAL
HOOK'EM
As a kid, I sold sodas from a tray at the stadium around my neck and used to think the Cotton Bowl was a regular season game because the Longhorns were there every year it seemed. All because of Coach Royal. What a fine role model for men of all walks of life.
TRULY A SAD DAY
REST IN PEACE COACH ROYAL
HOOK'EM
Hearing this news breaks my heart. I pray for peace and comfort for his family and the Longhorn family. Truly a sad day
Growing up in Texas in the 1960s I had the great fortune to witness the two finest examples of integrity in sports that may have ever lived, Darrel Royal and Tom Landry, who proved there are indeed role models in athletics. God bless you Coach Royal your sweep of influence went far beyond the young men you coached on the field.
Rest in peace Coach Royal
Hook Em Horns Coach Royal, blessings & prayers to your family as we remember the winner that will always be apart
of UT and Austin.
The Greatest Longhorn of them all has passed...that's a morning after kick in the gut. A fine person from Oklahoma who became a great Texan...
Darrell Royal was the reason I moved to Austin to attend UT. Watching his coach's show with Cactus Pryor was a Sunday night tradition growing up. My first three UT games were Cotton Bowl victories - including 2 national champions. What a great time in my life as a kid. God Bless you Coach Royal. The Eyes of Texas are shedding tears today.
With profound sympathy to Edith and the family as they reflect on the many "precious memories," of his life and their life together.
What an amazing inspiration you are. We truely lost a legend today. Rest in peace.
Great Man,Great positive influence on athletics and coaches like me.
You set the standard for longhorn greatness that still stands today and will endure forever.
Rest in peace Coach.
Thanks Coach, for all the good memories.
Wish I had met him in person, but now he is with the Angels. Amen
A true Texas gentleman. My prayers and thoughts are with Coach and his family.
You can know a really great coach and a real man by the boys he helped turn into good men and good citizens...I know some of those men he influenced and helped to become good and decent men and assets to humanity. They are his real legacy. Coach Royal talked the talk and he more than certainly walked the walk with humility, class, grace, dignity and decency. I am happy that I had the good fortune to look him in the eye and shake his hand along the way. God bless your soul, Coach Royal.
I lost a big part of my childhood. Was a true gentleman. God bless him and the family.
You will always be loved and cherished by the Longhorn faithful and The University of Texas at Austin. Coach Royal, you were truly a wonderful man and an irreplaceable force. Longhorn Nation is a little dimmer today. Rest In Peace, Coach.
HE MADE ME A FANATIC OF TEXAS FOOTBALL SINCE 1958.HE WILL REMEMBERED AS A GREAT COACH AND AS AN EXTRAORDINARY HUMAN BEING.
Coach Royal provided me with one of my lifelong memories as a child, when he thanked me for coming to support the Longhorns prior to another romp on the road in Fort Worth. Coach, you certainly influenced me at a young age. And to your family and friends - please know it wasn't so much his ability to win on the field, as it was his ability to win off of the field by building men of character...that made him special.
a terrific coach and even better human
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Thank you for the many years of joy you brought to UT.
God bless you, Coach Royal. I never got to shake your hand, but I was in your presence many a time. You always looked me in the eye and said hello. Thank you for that! Hook 'em! \m/ ~ Mike Fackler
Coach Royal provided me with one of my cherished memories from childhood, when he took the time to thank me for coming to yet another UT romp on the road in Fort Worth. Coach - and the Royal family of players, friends and loved ones - I'm sure you know, but I'll say it anyway. You will always be remembered, not just for your ability to produce winners on the field, but also to produce men of character off of it.
I have been a longhorns and Darrell K. Royal fan since 1957. Darrell is the only one that know how to coach Texas football team. GOD bless DKR. Thanks for everything, Darrell had done Texas and the state of Texas. LEM 78'
Thank God for Bucky Godbolt
Coach,glad you are at peace with the Lord. You meant a lot to so many of us! Thank you!!!
Thank you, Coach, for all the memories and your devotion to the 40 acres and Texas sports - all with great integrity. We will miss your inspiring leadership.
He is definitely going to Longhorn Heaven. A great coach with a great record.
Coach, may the angels be your guide; may they lead you into paradise, and take you home to the New Jerusalem. Rest in peace. To the family - love and prayers. (BS-1972)
A great man...
Thanks Coach..
Randy Clay
You turned me into a dedicated UT football fan. Love you.
Carolyn Woodiel Lake Jackson, TX
You Shall Be missed by the many longhorn fans. Texas Fight for the Angel above!
Peace be with you and the Royal family
Rest in Peace Coach Royal. You are a Longhorn original and an inspiration to all people, not just those in football. I was honored to meet you the couple of times I did. We will all miss you!
God bless you Darrel Royal!
a sad day for the royal and longhorn familys,he was a great man,coach,and so much more!!!you will be missed coach royal hook em horns
Truly one of the great ones.
Texas has lost a great coach of the game-the game of football and the game of life. Peaceful rest Coach.
Hook 'em, Coach. Thank you for all you did for the game, the University and it's students. You were the best there ever was. R.I.P.
I have spent my whole life being a Texas Longhorn fan and supporter of Longhorn athletics. Coach meant so much to so many. A great man who will be missed.
Horns up for Coach Darrell K. Royal. Thank you for all you done for Texas. \m/
Thanks for all you've done Coach
Remembering old days at O.U.
the Royals were always so wonderful. My condolences. Betty Sue McNabb
I was a close neighbor at Miss. State and a nearby neighbor at Barton Creek, and he was so gracious every time we met. He was obviously a great coach, but he was certainly an even greater person.
I know that St. Peter will greet you with "HOOK EM HORNS!"
Rest in peace Coach Royal
:: Bows head :::
Thank you Coach Royal, not only for the victories, but also for taking a personal interest in my life when you convinced me not to leave the Longhorns in my freshman year. Rest in Peace. Ricardo Romo
My deepest sympathy to the family. We have lost a tremendously wonderful man, father,grandpa, and coach. He is dancing with the one that brought him. Love you Coach.
True greatness, you will be sorely missed. Ken Wright
Coach Royal provided me with four years of football enjoyment the years I attended UT. He was a great man and a great coach.
Coach Royal has always meant college football to me, stemming from even before the heady days of the mid-'60s when I was a student at UT.
He always seemed so perennial. My condolences to his family.
Daniel J Smith a great coach and a great gentleman
Will always be remembered, DKR!!
I was in The Longhorn Band in the early 70s when Coach Royal was at the helm of The Longhorn Football Team. I am now a member of The Longhorn Alumni Band and, although we meet just once a year to perform at one of the home games in Austin, I feel both humbled an honored to perform inside The Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium. Rest In Peace Coach Royal . . . you deserve it !
As a rabid Razorback fan, this morning, I wanna say Hook 'em Horns! God bless you Coach Royal and family.
One of the heros of Texas and a great friend of mine and thousands of others. The Coach and his smile will be missed every day, but the values he taught will live on forever. God bless Coach Royal.
Thanks for the memories Coach Royal!
Hook 'em in Heaven.
Rest in peace, Coach Royal. We'll miss the man, the legend.
Great person, highly respective man..and awesome coach...Have and will be greatly missed. Thanks for all the great games...now hook em to heaven with great honors...
My parents bestowed me with the middle name "Darrell" in honor of this giant of Texas -- Darrell Royal. His legacy transcends much more than the game of football and for that he will forever have a special place in the hearts of generations of Longhorn faithful.
Thank you God for giving us Coach Royal and the University of Texas
R.i.p. darrell we will miss you! Love always the fontenote family
Rest in peace. With sympathy to his family. Especially his nephew who was with me in basic training at Lackland, AFB, in 1957. Sincerely , Paul Knecht
Thank you DKR for showing us the best of college football and especially how to conduct oneself honorably in life.
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Darrell. Please know we are praying for you today and will be praying for you in the days to come. Sending you my love - Betty Runnels and family
R.I.P. to a legendary coach. DKR is gonna be a great man in heaven
RIP Coach Royal........I was named after Scott Appleton, and my brother was named after Darrel Royal....a wonderful man that always made the time to talk.
I REMEMDER WATCHING MY FIRST GAME I WAS 8 YERAS OLD BACK IN THE SEVENTIES WITH DARRELL ROYAL AS COACH AND I NEW FROM THAT POINT ON JUST LISTENING TO HIM SPEAK THAT I WOULD BE A LIFELONG FAN, THANKS COACH ROYAL YOU WILL BE MISSED.
Thanks Coach for so many years of GREAT football Rest in Peace my friend!
Coach Royal impacted so many lives in a positive way. What a great legacy. Rest in peace. Hook 'em!
Coach Royal was a rare and unique person. I am proud to say my wife and I got to meet Darrell and Edith on January 17, 1997. We were invited into their home and treated as if we had known them forever. Rest in Peace Darrell. Our thoughts and prayers are with Edith and the family.
HOOK 'EM HORNS
It was an honor to know Coach Royal. Principals of life's goodness and character are my memories of him. May God hug him and "HOOK EM".
What an amazing inspiration you are. We truely lost a legend today. Rest in peace.
Texas, and America, has lost a great citizen. Coach Royal represented the good things about college football, and about life in general. He was not just a icon for The University of Texas, but for the entire state and nation.
Thank you Coah Royal for all you did for Texas and for Austin.
I have attended many UT games and have always been in awe of DKR Memorial but have been more in awe of the man it is named for.
My prayers and thoughts are with the Royal family in this difficult time. May God comfort you in the reality of a man who invested his life into the lives of so many, especially the young men and women of our universities.
Coach, May the Lord watch over you and your family, and thanks for all the coachisms... "I had hoped God would be neutral."
Darrell Royal
Our lives as Texans and Longhorn fans are more blessed as a result of Darrell Royal's presence and life -
Always a class act and a gentlemen in every sense of the word -
The only UT coach I knew for the first 20 years of my life. I hope he knew we were just kidding about the Ted Constanzo Fan Club. A great coach and a great man; he will be missed.
Thanks for the memories. I greatly enjoyed watching a man live a. First class life.your lovely wife Edith made a beautiful pair in life. Thank you Edith for all you did to comfort Darrell. All my best,Russell korman
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Edith and the Royal family. Coach Royal will always be missed but never forgotten.
Coach Royal was the classiest individual I have ever met. There will never be another more humble person. God bless Edith and the Royal family.
Had the opportunity to be around Coach Royal at UT functions - DKR was a class act.
You have been an example for all of us to emulate. Thanks for the fantastic memories!
I was fortunate to attend UT and work in the strength and conditioning program as a student. My greatest honor was receiving the DKR scholarship.
I was a Longhorn from 1963 to 1967 during the glory years of Coach Royal. Going to UT and being National Champions was a wonderful feeling and the thanks all goes to Coach Royal. He was one of a kind.
Coach Royal was a warm and caring person who made a positive impact on the lives of the thousands of young men who played college football and fought for the honor of the University of Texas. His name is synonymous with Texas football success, on and off the field. Coach was that rarest of human beings: by personal example he put honor and self-respect ahead of the championships, the trophies, the accolades, and the hoopla. He was a true legend in his own lifetime.
With sympathy and prayers to wife Edith, son Mack and the Royal family and extended family,
Rest in peace coach royal.
A true American legend, that will forever be missed.
UT has lost a Legand!!
RIP, Coach!!!
Steve Willmann
One cold November afternoon in 1976, Coach, you walk up next to me and asked me how things were going. We just talked and I will never forget that. DKR was an Okie Sooner who showed us all how to be Texas Longhorns. God bless you and your family. UT-EX 1978.
Coach Royal was and always will be a part of my UT experience. I, along with thousands of other ex-students, will miss him but he will always be a part of the University of Texas.
I grew up in the glory years for Darrell Royal and the Texas Longhorns. He was always brought out the best in his student athletes and in all of the students and alumni of UT. We will miss our hero. Please know that all of us are very sad today and glad to say we loved this man.
Had the pleasure of being a student and graduating at UT when Darrell was coaching. He was a great man and great leader and will be missed.
"Dance with the one brung ya" good sir! RIP Coach Royal
God's speed Darrell
From the Bryant family
RIP Coach Royal. #HookEmForever
The eyes of Texas are upon you. God bless you and your family. Hook 'em!
One word describes Coach Royal - WINNER
A Longhorn legend that was the face of the UT football program long after he retired. A man that many tried to emulate, but never could. Admired by many both on and off the football field. You will be truly missed and Longhorn football will never be the same without you. RIP Coach Royal -- Hook'em \m/
A wonderful man who gave so many of us faith and wonderful football seasons!
DKR was and always will be larger than life in my book. So bummed, but he's in a much better place, my condolences. Hook 'Em!
My favorite story about Darrell was when he was invited by Jody Conradt to be a guest coach at a Lady Longhorn basketball game. One of his other guest coaches was Barbara Jordan. When asked if anyone wanted to say something to the team in the locker room, Barbara proceeded to give an inspiring speech that had us all wanting the coach to put us in -- even those of us in street clothes. After the team ran back out onto the court, Darrell turned to Barbara and said "you know, I made a mistake in my coaching career... " (and you could hear a pin drop as he continued)... "that I did not ask you into my locker room to give a half time speech."
Thank you, Darrell, for all you have meant to many generations of Texans.
We lost a great man today. I am so sorry. Thank you, Coach. Hook 'em.
God Bless Edith and the Royal family and I'll say this for Coach Royal, "Hook Em Horns"
Rest In Power Darrell Royal.
As Larry Gatlin said to Miss Edith "my friend has now met Jesus"; so marvelous to know that "Coach" is now whole again & is with Jesus & with his 2 children; Hook Em "Coach"; you are forever in our hearts.
Great coach, great man. My first inside look at college football as a freshman team manager in 1963.
A wonderful man, a great coach , we will never see another like him! He was all CLASS, will miss him.
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
May you rest in peace coach! We all loved you and everything you stood for. Javier, Wendy, Ryan 08, Charles 10, and Marty Reyes. Laredo, Texas
DKR has always been my hero. One of the highlights of my life was talking to him on the phone once. I am deeply sad but his amazing legacy will live on forever. Hook 'em.
RIP Coach Royal. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during this time of loss.
Proud to call myself a Longhorn because of the man, the leader and the coach that you were. Rest in peace.
To a great man, who has the class of all Texans may God take you under his wing and lead you to a glory filled life!
As a panamenian student at the university from 1962-1966 I had the lasting memories of a great coach , teacher, man guiding the fortunes of the football team . Througout his life he maintained the classy attitude of a true family man , gentleman and friend . All the Panama Exes will miss him and from our country we send his family our deepest simpathies.
To the Greatest coach that Texas will ever have, you will be missed
Thanks for the memories, Coach!
I went to UT during Coach Royal's glory years and loved going to the best football school in the country. This was all due to Coach Royal. He was one of a kind.
Coach: We loved you and will never forget you. Mrs. Royal: our thoughts are with you and your family at this time and we send our condolences for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with us.
You will be missed. God Bless You. Rest in Peace!!!
Rest in Peace ..sir.. thanks for all you did for the University of Texas Football.
God Bless DKR. He brought me a young lifetime of pride and joy in Longhorn football. Rest in Peace coach. Thank you...and "Hook Em" in Heaven.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family...We share in your loss...
COACH ROYAL..I'M GREATFUL FOR THE 3 NAT'L CHAMPIONSHIPS..REST IN PEACE..SEE YA IN HORNS HEAVEN...HOOK'EM!
Thank you for walking and living the path of equality.
God Bless You Coach Royal! Not only were you an amazing coach, but a great human being who put Texas athletics on the national radar. Godspeed.
Sadden with the loss of a good friend.
He was the greatest coach and person for our school. May he rest in peace.
You did great things for UT Football and you will always be remembered in the hearts of all TEXAS alumni & fans! Rest in peace....
RIP Mr. Royal...you will be missed.
God bless Mrs. Royal. She was with him all the way. What a legend, what a man, he will be missed.
R.I.P. Coach Royal. Thank you for your tireless service to The University. Condolences to the Royal Family. Hook 'Em!
Coach Royal was not only a great football coach, but he was a great leader if young men and in the Austin and Texas community. He has left a great legacy and model for others to follow. God Bless the Coach and his family. JoAn Baird (longtime fan)
He was head coach when I was a student at UT. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a spring day outside of Gregory gym. It was and will be a special time in my life. I hate to see him go. He will be remembered forever.
Ken Schindewolf
He accomplished much and will be missed.
My prayers and hopes are with the Royal family. He was a good man and a great example of a gentleman.
A TRUE Texas Hero. Will Never forget 1969.
Thanks Coach....rest in peace. Hook em!
Coach Royal:
I know you sit in heaven with God and his son Jesus. I want to thank you for calling me during the summer of 1979 to invite me to walk on at the University of Texas and play football. You will be missed and you were an inspiration to many.
Yours in Christ,
Rippy Morales
RIP DKR - you put Texas football on the map and did so with class. Hook 'Em