Daryl Ray Gaumer

Daryl Ray Gaumer, 97, passed away on May 17, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on March 24, 1928, in Sterling, Illinois, to George Kelly Gaumer and Ada Lou (Elmendorf) Gaumer.

Daryl earned his bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from the University of Illinois before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. He was stationed as a Private Second Class (PVT-2) during the Korean War, serving from July 22, 1952, to November 24, 1953, and stationed at the Nevada Proving Grounds as a scientist on the nuclear test projects. After being honorably released from active duty, he was transferred to the Army Reserve to complete eight years of service under the Universal Military Training and Service Act.

Following his military service, Daryl began a long and accomplished career as a Petroleum Engineer, beginning with Shell Oil Corporation, then as President of the international subsidiary of the largest Canadian independent, ultimately branching out as an independent. His work in the oil field took him across Texas and around the globe, including six years based in Calgary, Canada and assignments in Israel. Throughout his career, he also pursued graduate coursework at the University of Houston toward a master’s degree in petroleum engineering, further deepening his technical knowledge.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Daryl owned and maintained a farm in Wood County for many years, where he raised Brangus cattle and cultivated a deep love for the land.

In his later years, he made his home in the Dallas area, where he lived for the past eight years. Prior to that, he was a longtime attendee of First United Methodist Church in Quitman.

Daryl had a curious mind and a wide array of interests. He loved creating maps—filling an entire room with them—and had a lifelong appreciation for cowboy movies, oil painting, and reading. He enjoyed tending to his flower and vegetable gardens, especially his tomatoes, and was happiest when outdoors, trimming trees or working with his children on home renovation projects.

He was a member of the Texas Professional Engineers Club, the Dallas Petroleum Club, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and the Tennis Association. He also loved traveling, especially to New Mexico.

Daryl’s greatest joy was his family. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pappy.” He also shared a special bond with his beloved Shih Tzu, Spur.

Daryl Gaumer will be remembered for his hard work, sharp mind, adventurous spirit, and the deep love he had for his country, and his family. The void left by his passing will be deeply felt for generations to come.

He greets in Heaven his parents, George Kelly and Ada Lou Gaumer; his oldest brother, Glen Elden Gaumer; ex-wife, Lee McKenzie Gaumer; and grandson, Jonathan Gaumer.

He is survived by his six children, Christie Gaumer, Craig Gaumer, Cari Gaumer Roberts, Michael Gaumer, Daryl Gaumer, and Sandra Siegal; his brother, Gene Duane Gaumer; six grandchildren, Justin Gaumer, Ashlee Roberts, Alec Roberts, Christopher Carroll, Laurel Gaumer, and Maddie Gaumer; two great grandchildren, Christopher James Carroll and Abigail Carroll; and his beloved four-legged companion, his Shih Tzu, Spur.

Funeral service for Daryl Gaumer will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at First United Methodist Church of Quitman with Brother Fred Morrow officiating. Graveside service will follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers are his brothers, Gene Duane Gaumer and Glen Elden Gaumer.