Daylon Whitehurst left the limitations of this life for the glorious future God planned for him on October 16, 2018 at the home he loved, surrounded by people he loved and who loved him. Daylon was born in Gorman, Texas on July 10, 1938 to Otis Melvin Whitehurst and Inez Nelms Whitehurst. He was an amazing, faithful and loving husband and father who deeply loved his wife, children and grandchildren. His faith was an anchor for his family and will impact the world for Christ into future generations.

Daylon grew up in De Leon and graduated from De Leon High School in 1956. His high school coaches were a profound influence in his life, and they made it possible for him to receive a football scholarship to Howard Payne College. He was a four year letterman, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters Degree in Education. He later earned a Superintendent Certification from Sul Ross University.

He married his high school sweetheart, Jolene Bassett, in 1960 and they celebrated 58 years together. She was the love of his life — he always knew she was the smartest and most beautiful woman in the world (not to mention the best cook) and regularly congratulated himself for his intelligence in marrying her.

Daylon's teaching and coaching career included time in Clifton, Aldine, Copperas Cove, and Pecos, Texas. A football coach to his core, he was not against designing plays on the backs of programs during sermons. He always sought to share the help and support he had received with his own players. He thought that "win or lose," he had the best job in the world.

Most of his career was spent in Pecos, as an assistant coach, head coach, Athletic Director and Director of Personnel. In spite of the desert heat and tumbleweeds, he loved Pecos — the players, coaches, teachers and people. (And the Chile Rellenos at Ben's Spanish Inn.) He and Jolene felt it was a wonderful place to live, work and rear their children, and cherished the many friends they made. They were faithful members of the First Baptist Church, where Daylon taught Sunday School for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and served on its Board of Directors for three years. He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge and was active in the Downtown Lions Club, serving in many positions and cajoling many coaches to buy Lion's Club roses for their sweethearts over the years. One of his favorite "jobs" was serving as an Official at the State Track Meet in Austin for over 25 years.

Daylon and Jolene moved back home to De Leon when they retired; he was grateful for his beloved Lake Proctor every day, and was never more content than when he could watch the pelicans from their back porch. He loved outdoor activities — fishing, hunting, golf, and boating with family and friends, as well as poker nights. Daylon enjoyed serving on the De Leon school board for 12 years. He was famous for making huge after-duck-hunting and holiday breakfasts, and made the world's best sourdough bread. He and Jolene enjoyed traveling with family and friends, and seeing beautiful places, but Daylon was always grateful to come home. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in De Leon, and enjoyed listening to the services at home after he was unable to attend in person.

Daylon and Jolene had three children, seven grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was so proud of all of them. He loved teaching them and their friends to fish and ski, serving as an amazing example of both patience and perseverance. "Poppa" especially enjoyed making endless "inner tube" runs with his grandchildren. He must have said "I'll be right back around" a million times.

After several years of unexpected falls, Daylon was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in 2000, and had a gradual decline in physical abilities. He often said that one thing football taught him was that "If you give up, you lose the game," and he found ways to be active long after his doctors expected, facing every obstacle and limitation with courage and without complaint. As he became less mobile, he continued to be involved in activities at home, playing cards and dominos with friends and games with his grandchildren. And of course watching football, which was an enduring passion — he faithfully supported the De Leon Bearcats, Pecos Eagles, Baylor Bears and Dallas Cowboys (even if he didn't always agree with the play calling.) And he never abandoned his dedication to being an unofficial Blue Bell Ice Cream taster, a post he shared with his mother-in-law Hazel until her death.

Daylon is survived by his wife Jolene; daughter, Dalene Whitehurst Florez; son, David Whitehurst and his wife Patti; son, Darren Whitehurst and his wife Lissa; grandchildren, Sam and Grace Florez, Preston, Katie and Anna Whitehurst, and Will and Julieanne Whitehurst; brother, David Whitehurst and his wife Julia; brother-in-law, Waylon Daniels; and brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Shirley Prud'homme; nephews, Dwain Daniels, Bill Daniels, Tommy Prud'homme, Michael Prud'homme and Phillip Prud'homme; and nieces, Patti Wendlandt and Becca McDowell, as well as Jana and Carlton Cullers, and their children Will, Amy and Emily and granddaughter Claire, who were so dear to his heart. He is preceded in death by his mother, Inez Whitehurst; sister, Laveta Daniels; and mother-in-law, Hazel Bassett.

Memorial services celebrating Daylon's life were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 20, 2018, at the First Baptist Church of De Leon with Brother Daniel Harper officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of De Leon or the Muscular Dystrophy Association at 6400 E GRANT RD STE 170 TUCSON AZ 85715-3800, in memory of Daylon.