Darrell K Royal, 88, the winningest football coach in University of Texas history, died Wednesday from complications of cardiovascular disease. Born on July 6, 1924 in Hollis, Oklahoma, Royal's childhood was one of poverty and hard work. After high school, he served in the Army Air Corps from 1943-46 during World War II, and played halfback with the Third Air Force Football team. He excelled also in basketball and baseball and received college scholarship offers in all three sports. He then played college football at the University of Oklahoma. Royal was an all-American quarterback and punter, and still holds OU records for the longest punt return and all-time career interceptions. While he was at Hollis High, Royal met Edith Marie Thomason, "the only girl I ever cared about." The two were married on July 26, 1944, while he was on a weekend furlough. In the early 1950s, he moved quickly up the coaching ladder, holding eight jobs in eight years. His first head coaching job was at Edmonton, Canada. Next he held head coaching positions at Mississippi State and the University of Washington. When the 32-year-old Royal was hired at The University in December of 1956, he inherited a program that had gone 1-9 the previous season. He coached at Texas from 1957 through 1976. His record of 167-45-5 was the best mark in the nation over that term. His teams won eleven Southwest Conference championships, 3 national championships, and more games than any other team in Southwest Conference history. In his 23 years as a head football coach, he never had a losing season. His honors include membership in the Longhorn Hall of Honor, the National College Football Hall of Fame, and the coveted Horatio Alger Award. He was the first recipient of the Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement award, and in 2006, Royal became only the 5th person in its history to receive the UT Distinguished Service Award. In 1996, The University of Texas Board of Regents voted to rename the football stadium Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Following his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease, he and Edith assisted with the establishment of the Darrell K Royal Fund for Alzheimer's Research. Royal is survived by his beloved partner of 68 years, Edith Thomason Royal, his son, Sammy Mack Royal and daughter-in-law April, son-in-law Chic Kazen; grandsons Christian Kazen, David Kazen, and Sammy Royal; granddaughter Elena Royal Trombetta, great-granddaughters Isabella and Alexandra Kazen, and extended family Sadie Trombetta, Kendall Kazen, and the entire Kazen family. He is also survived by hundreds of "sons" who wore the burnt orange and white and will carry his legacy for generations. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marian K Royal Kazen, and by his son David Wade Royal. A memorial service will be held at the Frank C. Erwin Special Events Center, 1701 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701, Tuesday, November 13, 2012, at 12:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Darrell K Royal Fund for Alzheimer's Research online at www.dkrfund.org or mailed care of Dallas Foundation 3963 Maple Avenue, #390, Dallas, TX 75219, or to the DKR 40 Acres Scholarship Fund at the Texas Exes, 2210 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX 78712.
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February 14, 2019
Charlotte Jones/ McAnally
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.
November 10, 2012
Cousin
Max Easter
To the family of Darrel K Royal.
We are sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts & prayers
Max & Linda Easter
November 9, 2012
Friend
Col George O Lewis, USAF (Ret)
Thank you, Darrell, for your service to our country.
January 12, 2016
Daniel 2.44.que vien seria vivir bajo ese reino el cual pueda ayudar a todos los que nesesitamos
July 22, 2014
Mack Royal
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.
December 19, 2013
Linda Reppert
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.
February 25, 2013
Charles Irwin
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!!!!
January 1, 2013
Judith Zaffirini
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!
December 31, 2012
Jimmy McCabe
November 29, 2012
John Kruse
Vaya con Dios, Coach.
November 27, 2012
Randy Willis
November 27, 2012
Randy Willis
November 22, 2012
Stephen Brock
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!
November 21, 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 20, 2012
MAY GOD BE WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY,"HAPPY ARE THE PURE IN HEART,SINCE THEY WILL SEE GOD".{MATT.5:8}.....NC
November 18, 2012
Harry Alexander
Thank you God for sending coach.
He meant so much to so many of us who never met him.
November 18, 2012
Harry G. Alexander
November 17, 2012
charles placker
Coach was my guy!!
November 16, 2012
God Bless you Coach Royal. May peace surround your family and all those who are so painfully missing you.
November 16, 2012
Arthur B. Hernandez
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!
November 16, 2012
Michael A. Bartlett
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.
November 16, 2012
Joanna Hamrick
You will forever be the shining star in the Longhorn Legacy. Thank you! UT '83
November 16, 2012
E T Harrison '62
With his coaching record there is no doubt he died with his boots on!
November 15, 2012
Thanks for the memories, Coach.
Mike Hutton
November 15, 2012
Ken Lyons
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.
November 15, 2012
Larry Fry
Perry, Oklahoma
November 15, 2012
Jim Ethridge
Thankyou for teaching us to be football fans of TEXAS
November 15, 2012
Duke Dwyer
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.
November 15, 2012
Clara Ligon Usrey '54
He WAS Texas football!
November 15, 2012
Jesse Garate
We will cherish the memories and you will live in our heart forever.
November 15, 2012
Russell Brewer
You will not be forgotten DKR! Thanks for the character and class you set at UT-Austin and your inspiration. RIP
November 15, 2012
Paul Rubel
Thanks for all the great memories you brought me. HOOKEM
November 15, 2012
David Cole
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.
November 15, 2012
Ron Harrisobn
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!
November 15, 2012
Gary Macdecy
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.
November 15, 2012
Gerald Lewis
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.
November 15, 2012
Thank you for so many wonderful memories, I'll always remember you.
Sidney Burgin
November 15, 2012
Mark Ayers
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!
November 15, 2012
Jerry Yandell
I started at Texas the same year as Coach Royal and he has brought me much joy over the years. Hookem Coach!
November 15, 2012
Chris Slater
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.
November 14, 2012
Ray Lea
November 14, 2012
Brad Kent
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.
November 14, 2012
Rebecca Holland
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 14, 2012
May the God of all comfort give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Psalm 147:3
November 14, 2012
Cliff Fambrough
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.
November 14, 2012
Pablo
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
November 14, 2012
Darrell,
Thank you for all you've done to represent Texas with class.
Randy Izzard
Class of 1977
November 14, 2012
Bill Gillette
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.
November 14, 2012
Richard vaughan
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.
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
Mike Harris
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
November 14, 2012
Dave Hall
Fine man and fine coach.
November 14, 2012
Doug Grajczyk
May God bless your family and may you rest in peace. You will be missed.
November 14, 2012
Lew and Pete Lewis
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.
November 14, 2012
Johnny Vera
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.
November 14, 2012
DANNY KEELING
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
November 14, 2012
Gary Polland
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.
November 14, 2012
Coy Koen
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
November 14, 2012
Greg Smith
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.
November 14, 2012
Christopher Hyatt
Goodbye to a true Gentleman and Longhorn statesman. Darrell Royal will be forever associated with the good ole days of college football.
November 14, 2012
Clint Davis
RIP coach Royal your the reason I watched my first college football game in 1976
November 14, 2012
Barry Cohen
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!
November 14, 2012
Martha Gaskin
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.
November 14, 2012
Robert Bodine Jr
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.
November 14, 2012
Paul Cagle
Thank you for providing such strong leadership for the state of Texas and Longhorn Nation. God bless you and your family.
November 14, 2012
Jack Stephens
Thanks for making the game of footbal so great at UT but more important thanks for bringing such great character to UT and Texas.
November 14, 2012
Robert P Sewell, Ed.D.
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!
November 14, 2012
Edwin Dominey
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.
November 14, 2012
Paul Matney
Coach Royal, thank you for your class, dignity, and grace, and for all you did for the University of Texas.
November 14, 2012
Ruben Pizarro
I can not separate the name of the UT Longhorns from DKR. He'll live forever in my heart.
November 14, 2012
James Hood
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.
November 14, 2012
Scott Whiteley
RIP Coach. Thank you for all you did to make Longhorn Football so great. Gone but never forgotten.
November 14, 2012
Tom Leezer
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.
November 14, 2012
Clarence Wilson
It is difficult for me to absorbe Darrell K Royal's departure.
November 14, 2012
Frank Cisneroz
God Bless Coach.
November 14, 2012
Tom Stephens
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.
November 14, 2012
Lawrence "Larry" Melancon
May the LORD keep you and your family eternally in his loving care. Your friends and fans in New Mexico miss you already,
November 14, 2012
Dr. Sylvia Carrizales Vela
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.
November 14, 2012
Stuart Richardson
Farewell, Darrell Royal. Your presence is missed. Your impact will last forever.
November 14, 2012
Jerry Grunden
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!
November 14, 2012
James Wallace
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.
November 14, 2012
Margaret Denena
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.
November 14, 2012
May God Bless Edith Royal and Family Beni Fleming Gerry Fleming Daughter
November 14, 2012
John
You made me want to become a Longhorn, will miss ya!
November 14, 2012
Bo Jordan
An Outstanding coach and Man. He brought many exciting and happy to me and my family.
November 14, 2012
David Snipes
Great memories, great person. You will be missed.
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
S T Norris
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.
November 14, 2012
Brenton Queal
Hook'em in Heaven Coach Royal!
November 14, 2012
Carolyn Beck
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.
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
Billy Hendrix
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..
November 14, 2012
Derek Van Gilder
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.
November 14, 2012
Debra Lusk
Rest in peace, Coach, and your memory will live on in our hearts forever. Hook 'Em!
November 14, 2012
Jerry Smith
Coach Royal, you will always be a shining light in Texas-thanks for the memories.
November 14, 2012
Harold Sutton
A truly great man! nuff said!
November 14, 2012
Joe Ellis
There have never been any better men among us...and never will be. Hook 'Em Coach!
November 14, 2012
Norman Hillegeist
Thanks for the memories. What a ride.
November 14, 2012
Margaret Rochs
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
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
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