Darrell Royal

1924 - 2012

BORN

1924

DIED

2012

Darrell Royal Obituary

Darrell K. Royal, the former Texas football coach known as much for his folksy, simplistic approach to life as for his creative wishbone offenses and two national championships, has died. He was 88.

University of Texas spokesman Nick Voinis on Wednesday confirmed Royal's death. Royal had suffered from Alzheimer's disease and recently fell at an assisted living center where he was receiving care.

Royal took over as head coach at Texas at age 32 in 1956 after starring as a halfback for Oklahoma and then taking head coaching jobs at Mississippi State and Washington.

In 23 years as a head coach, he never had a losing season, with his teams boasting a 167-47-5 record in his 20 years at Texas, the best record in the nation over that period (1957-1976).

Royal won 11 Southwest Conference titles, 10 Cotton Bowl championships and national championships in 1963 and 1969, going 11-0 each time.

Published by Star-Telegram on Nov. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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842 Entries

My condolences to the Royal family, my Parents were from Hollis, Ok. And my Father was Charles Bones Jones and he was into football himself and was friends with Darrell, heard lots of good stories about Mr. Royal.

Charlotte Jones/ McAnally

February 14, 2019

To the family of Darrel K Royal.
We are sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts & prayers

Max & Linda Easter

Max Easter

Cousin

November 10, 2012

Thank you, Darrell, for your service to our country.

Col George O Lewis, USAF (Ret)

Friend

November 9, 2012

Daniel 2.44.que vien seria vivir bajo ese reino el cual pueda ayudar a todos los que nesesitamos

January 12, 2016

His name was Darrell K Royal and he was my father. His middle name was simply "K" in honor of his mother Katy, who died months after giving birth to the youngest Royal boy, Darrell. It is not an abbreviation.

It is very, very difficult to find anyone on the planet who did not love this kid from Hollis.

He was a special person who sprang from the dust bowl and depression that was his childhood in Oklahoma. It doesn't get much more dramatic than that.

His luckiest moment in life was when he met Edith. His worst moments were losing. Losing children.

He was not a showboat. He was a genius, a funny as heck guy, and a terrific example for personal conduct and being smart.

My failing was not grabbing on to him and learning everything he had to teach instead of trying to be better than the best.

I love you, dad. I know you are still here in so many ways. Thanks for your guidance from the beyond.

Mack Royal

July 22, 2014

Coach Royal was one of a kind. Even my dad who was an alumni and Hawkeye Fan from Iowa admired Coach Royal and enjoyed the football games in Austin. My father treasured the autographed football signed by one of Coach's Champion Teams that was given to him by a friend. There will never be another Coach or person like him. At 73 i am still proud to say Hook'M Horns! And rest peacefully Darrell Royal you left a legacy no one will ever touch.

Linda Reppert

December 19, 2013

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!!!!

Charles Irwin

February 25, 2013

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!

Judith Zaffirini

January 1, 2013

Jimmy McCabe

December 31, 2012

Vaya con Dios, Coach.

John Kruse

November 29, 2012

Randy Willis

November 27, 2012

Randy Willis

November 27, 2012

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!

Stephen Brock

November 22, 2012

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.

November 21, 2012

MAY GOD BE WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY,"HAPPY ARE THE PURE IN HEART,SINCE THEY WILL SEE GOD".{MATT.5:8}.....NC

November 20, 2012

Thank you God for sending coach.
He meant so much to so many of us who never met him.

Harry Alexander

November 18, 2012

Harry G. Alexander

November 18, 2012

Coach was my guy!!

charles placker

November 17, 2012

God Bless you Coach Royal. May peace surround your family and all those who are so painfully missing you.

November 17, 2012

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!

Arthur B. Hernandez

November 16, 2012

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.

Michael A. Bartlett

November 16, 2012

You will forever be the shining star in the Longhorn Legacy. Thank you! UT '83

Joanna Hamrick

November 16, 2012

With his coaching record there is no doubt he died with his boots on!

E T Harrison '62

November 16, 2012

Thanks for the memories, Coach.
Mike Hutton

November 15, 2012

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.

Ken Lyons

November 15, 2012

Larry Fry
Perry, Oklahoma

November 15, 2012

Thankyou for teaching us to be football fans of TEXAS

Jim Ethridge

November 15, 2012

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.

Duke Dwyer

November 15, 2012

He WAS Texas football!

Clara Ligon Usrey '54

November 15, 2012

We will cherish the memories and you will live in our heart forever.

Jesse Garate

November 15, 2012

You will not be forgotten DKR! Thanks for the character and class you set at UT-Austin and your inspiration. RIP

Russell Brewer

November 15, 2012

Thanks for all the great memories you brought me. HOOKEM

Paul Rubel

November 15, 2012

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.

David Cole

November 15, 2012

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!

Ron Harrisobn

November 15, 2012

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.

Gary Macdecy

November 15, 2012

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.

Gerald Lewis

November 15, 2012

Thank you for so many wonderful memories, I'll always remember you.
Sidney Burgin

November 15, 2012

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!

Mark Ayers

November 15, 2012

I started at Texas the same year as Coach Royal and he has brought me much joy over the years. Hookem Coach!

Jerry Yandell

November 15, 2012

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.

Chris Slater

November 15, 2012

Ray Lea

November 14, 2012

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.

Brad Kent

November 14, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rebecca Holland

November 14, 2012

May the God of all comfort give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Psalm 147:3

November 14, 2012

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.

Cliff Fambrough

November 14, 2012

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

Pablo

November 14, 2012

Darrell,
Thank you for all you've done to represent Texas with class.
Randy Izzard
Class of 1977

November 14, 2012

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.

Bill Gillette

November 14, 2012

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.

Richard vaughan

November 14, 2012

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

November 14, 2012

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

Mike Harris

November 14, 2012

Fine man and fine coach.

Dave Hall

November 14, 2012

May God bless your family and may you rest in peace. You will be missed.

Doug Grajczyk

November 14, 2012

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.

Lew and Pete Lewis

November 14, 2012

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.

Johnny Vera

November 14, 2012

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

DANNY KEELING

November 14, 2012

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.

Gary Polland

November 14, 2012

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

Coy Koen

November 14, 2012

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.

Greg Smith

November 14, 2012

Goodbye to a true Gentleman and Longhorn statesman. Darrell Royal will be forever associated with the good ole days of college football.

Christopher Hyatt

November 14, 2012

RIP coach Royal your the reason I watched my first college football game in 1976

Clint Davis

November 14, 2012

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!

Barry Cohen

November 14, 2012

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.

Martha Gaskin

November 14, 2012

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.

Robert Bodine Jr

November 14, 2012

Thank you for providing such strong leadership for the state of Texas and Longhorn Nation. God bless you and your family.

Paul Cagle

November 14, 2012

Thanks for making the game of footbal so great at UT but more important thanks for bringing such great character to UT and Texas.

Jack Stephens

November 14, 2012

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!

Robert P Sewell, Ed.D.

November 14, 2012

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.

Edwin Dominey

November 14, 2012

Coach Royal, thank you for your class, dignity, and grace, and for all you did for the University of Texas.

Paul Matney

November 14, 2012

I can not separate the name of the UT Longhorns from DKR. He'll live forever in my heart.

Ruben Pizarro

November 14, 2012

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.

James Hood

November 14, 2012

RIP Coach. Thank you for all you did to make Longhorn Football so great. Gone but never forgotten.

Scott Whiteley

November 14, 2012

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.

Tom Leezer

November 14, 2012

It is difficult for me to absorbe Darrell K Royal's departure.

Clarence Wilson

November 14, 2012

God Bless Coach.

Frank Cisneroz

November 14, 2012

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.

Tom Stephens

November 14, 2012

May the LORD keep you and your family eternally in his loving care. Your friends and fans in New Mexico miss you already,

Lawrence "Larry" Melancon

November 14, 2012

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.

Dr. Sylvia Carrizales Vela

November 14, 2012

Farewell, Darrell Royal. Your presence is missed. Your impact will last forever.

Stuart Richardson

November 14, 2012

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!

Jerry Grunden

November 14, 2012

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.

James Wallace

November 14, 2012

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.

Margaret Denena

November 14, 2012

May God Bless Edith Royal and Family Beni Fleming Gerry Fleming Daughter

November 14, 2012

You made me want to become a Longhorn, will miss ya!

John

November 14, 2012

An Outstanding coach and Man. He brought many exciting and happy to me and my family.

Bo Jordan

November 14, 2012

Great memories, great person. You will be missed.

David Snipes

November 14, 2012

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

November 14, 2012

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.

S T Norris

November 14, 2012

Hook'em in Heaven Coach Royal!

Brenton Queal

November 14, 2012

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.

Carolyn Beck

November 14, 2012

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.

November 14, 2012

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..

Billy Hendrix

November 14, 2012

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.

Derek Van Gilder

November 14, 2012

Rest in peace, Coach, and your memory will live on in our hearts forever. Hook 'Em!

Debra Lusk

November 14, 2012

Coach Royal, you will always be a shining light in Texas-thanks for the memories.

Jerry Smith

November 14, 2012

A truly great man! nuff said!

Harold Sutton

November 14, 2012

There have never been any better men among us...and never will be. Hook 'Em Coach!

Joe Ellis

November 14, 2012

Thanks for the memories. What a ride.

Norman Hillegeist

November 14, 2012

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

Margaret Rochs

November 14, 2012

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

November 14, 2012

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