Daryl “Chief” Walton
With heavy hearts, we, Tia and Germaine Walton, regret to announce the passing of our dearly beloved father, Reverend Daryl G. Walton, who peacefully departed this life on the morning of July 9, 2026.
Our father was a man of unwavering faith, love, wisdom, and compassion whose life touched countless hearts through his ministry, his kindness, and his devotion to his family and community. While we grieve this tremendous loss, we also give thanks for the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
Doug Geldert
Douglas (Doug) Vance Geldert passed away on May 11, 2026 in Denison, TX after a lengthy illness. A native Texan, Doug was born on January 2, 1952 to Vance and Mary Geldert and graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 1970. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and played four seasons on the Texas Longhorn football team, where he was a member of the Southwest Conference Championship teams and lettered in 1973. After college, Doug built diverse careers in a variety of fields, including civil engineering as a supervisor for TxDOT, apparel retail, and as a small business owner of Dude's resale shop in Sherman. Doug deeply loved his children and told everyone he encountered how proud he was of them. He was a Christian man, and later in life he became a member of the Friendship Class at the First Baptist Church in Sherman, Texas. He continued to enjoy watching football and golf while discussing game strategies with old friends. He is survived by his life partner, Reba Wilson of Sherman, TX; daughter Wendy; sons Gabriel (Christy) and Joshua (Natalee); grandchildren Ryleigh, Ella, Charlotte, Audrey, William, and Maggie; sister Mary Gunter; brother Donny (Julie) Geldert; nieces Vanessa Gunter and Natalie Vidrini; and nephews Hal Samples, Brandon Samples, and Nicholas Geldert. Doug spent the last year and a half of his life under the care of the staff at Beacon Hill in Denison and Heart to Heart Hospice in Sherman. The family is very grateful for the love and support the caregivers shared with Doug.
Published by The Herald Democrat from Jul. 21 to Jul. 23, 2026.
Paula Paul Blanton
Paula Lynn Paul Blanton was born to Robert Clyde Paul and Jan Mary Adams on April 2, 1952 in Dallas, Texas. She grew up in Dallas where she attended Lake Highlands High School. She was a member of the Lake Highlandettes Drill Team. Read more….
Paula Paul Blanton
April 2, 1952 – December 22, 2024
Paula Lynn Paul Blanton was born to Robert Clyde Paul and Jan Mary Adams on April 2, 1952 in Dallas, Texas. She grew up in Dallas where she attended Lake Highlands High School. She was a member of the Lake Highlandettes drill team. After high school, Paula attended Abilene Christian University where she was a member of GATA sorority and pursued a degree in Physical Education. As divine fate would have it, she met a redhead from Amarillo, TX by the name of Pat Blanton. Patrick was the love of her life. They married on February 24, 1973 and shared over 52 years of undying devotion and marriage together which continues to leave a great impact on all.
Upon college graduation at West Texas A&M University, Paula founded a successful interior plantscaping business by the name of Plantspan Incorporated. For over 46 years, she was the CEO and President of the family-owned business, which grew under her talents with all things horticulture and creating beauty. Paula had a diligent work ethic which led to the many meaningful relationships that she formed with long-standing clients who knew just how special she was. Paula also worked for Delta Airlines for a time where she formed many lifelong friendships as well.
Patrick and Paula are the parents to their daughters Sara Brooke Blanton, Rebecca Lynn Burton and her husband Taylor, Haley Beth Blanton, and their son Stetson Patrick Blanton; grandchildren include Stella, Graham, Gray, Tatiana, Paul, and Costner.
To know Paula was to love her. It is rare that this can truthfully be said about anyone, but in her case it was the absolute truth. She cherished her family, valued her friends, and was unwavering in her faith at all times. She loved to laugh, spend time with her dogs, enjoyed watching Hallmark movies, being a part of her book club, and enjoyed all sporting events.
Paula is survived by her husband, Patrick, their three daughters and one son, and six grandchildren. She is also survived by her father, Robert Paul and her brother, Chris Paul, as well as a host of many special friends and family. Paula was preceded in death by her mother, Jan Lacey. Her legacy will be treasured by her family, friends, and loved ones. Her faith, kindness, and love will be carried on as a testament to how she lived her life.
On December 22, 2024, Paula was victorious in her 9 year battle with cancer and was given complete healing. She was a fierce warrior. This is the day the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it… for He has claimed what it His and taken His daughter home. Praise our Holy One.
A Celebration of Paula’s life will be held on January 4, 2025 at 11 am at The Hills Church, located at 6300 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills, TX 76180. There will be a visitation an hour prior to service at 10am. A private family burial will be held afterwards. Never forget!