Darrell Blaylock

George Darrell Blaylock, 81, of Salina, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, September 3, 2020. He was born on October 29, 1938 in Okemah, Oklahoma; the son of Lowell and Iva (Lee) Blaylock. He graduated from Bristow High School in 1956 and continued his education at Central State University and received his bachelor’s degree in business. On February 13, 1960, Darrell married the love of his life, Shirley, and together they had 3 children; Darrell David, Debbie, and Diana. After getting married, they opened a DX Station. In 1972, Darrell and Shirley purchased Salina Food Mart and owned and operated it for 27 years. After selling the grocery store, he went to work as a maintenance man at Salina Care Center and enjoyed his time working there. Darrell and Shirley had spent nearly 60 wonderful years together until her passing in October of 2019. Darrell was very involved in his small town’s community; from being Mayor of Salina from 2001-2014, to being a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years. In 1972, Darrell started the wrestling program at Salina. Darrell won an award in 2013 and 2014 for his more than 25 years of service to the town of Salina. He was a member of Salina Lakeview Baptist Church and loved being involved in church events and attending services. He enjoyed watching the Thunder play basketball, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping trips and working his cows. He also had a great time being a part of the “chain gang” during the Friday night football games. Above all, Darrell loved his family and spending time with them, especially his grandkids and great grandkids. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind many wonderful memories for his family and friends to cherish.

Funeral services for Darrell will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the Salina High School Gym in Salina, Oklahoma with Reverend Johnnie Faught officiating. Burial to follow at Bryan Chapel Cemetery with Cody Blaylock, Jesse Blaylock, Bryant Burns, Brad Reed, Nate Carnes, and Chad Cox serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers will be Charlie Hocutt, Joe Brown, Darrell Johnson, Paul Wayne Hocutt, Ray Gene Pritchett, Nick Tramel, and Wayne Backward. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 14, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Shipman’s Funeral Home. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

Darrell is survived by his son, Darrell David Blaylock and wife Shelly of Salina, Oklahoma; daughters, Debbie Matlock and husband David of Salina, Oklahoma, and Diana Burns and Steve Wallace of Connerville, Oklahoma; sister, Jo Aker of Salina, Oklahoma; sister in laws, Sandra Spillman of Bethany, Oklahoma, and Ruby Graham of Norman, Oklahoma; brother in law, Jack Hutcherson and wife Carolyn of Tuttle, Oklahoma; 8 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Iva; and wife, Shirley (Hutcherson) Blaylock; brother, Leon Blaylock; nephew, Greg Blaylock; and brother in law, Jack Aker.