Donald Royal Maryland

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only; but unto all them also that loves his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8

January 22, 1948 – June 4, 2012

On January 22, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Donald Royal Maryland was born to Edward and Rosetta Poindexter Maryland. He confessed Christ as his personal Savior at a young age and was baptized by Rev. J.H. Thompson of Resident Baptist Church, Houma, Louisiana. Donald Royal Maryland was affectionately known as Duck by family and friends.

Donald joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17, May of 1965. He was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas for Tech School. He was then stationed in Laredo, Texas for two years. After that stent, he was deployed to active duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He later returned to Sheppard Air Force Base for another year where he served his country with honors and high esteem. He pursued his education at Midwestern State University for three years, henceforth, making Wichita Falls, Texas his permanent residence. Donald’s love for singing initiated the organization of a band during his four years in the military where he was lead singer and played bass guitar. After coming to Wichita Falls, he joined the gospel singing group – The Ecclesiastes, where he also was lead vocalist and bass guitarist.

He met the love of his life on his birthday, January 22, 1971 – Carolyn Carter Maryland and entered into holy matrimony August 4, 1973. To this union four children were born – Marques D. Maryland, July 11, 1977; Matthew D. Maryland, January 21, 1984; Micah D. Maryland, May 8, 1985; and Meredith D. Maryland, November 18, 1992. After marrying his wife, he joined the Greater St. Mark Baptist Church and was committed to serving the Lord as a deacon for 10 years. The Holy Spirit led him and his family to fellowship and become members of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in 1979. He was also teacher and vice president of the Brotherhood and president of the male chorus. Donald’s commitment to the work of the Lord continued as a deacon, member of the Brotherhood and male chorus and sanctuary choir for 35 years until his departure.

Donald was not only a loving husband and father, but a man who provided for his family. During his life span, he was employed by United Parcel Service for 10 years, Wichita Falls State Hospital for 10 years, and Magic Aire for 15 years / D&S Residential, simultaneously for approximately 5 years, where he provided elderly care in the community.

Donald was concerned about his community and youth were he took an active role as the youth sponsor of the Shepherd Boys League. He played an integral role in his children’s co curricular activities where he coached T-ball, Soccer, Football and Boys & Girls Club for the Peewee Football Team.

“If any many speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen,” Surly God was glorified when he dispatched his holy angel on Monday, June 4, 2012, at 6:10 p.m. p.m. to receive his son Donald Royal Maryland, whispering “Servant of God, Well Don! The battle has been fought, the victory has been won, enter the Master’s joy!”

He leaves to cherish his earthly departure his wife – Carolyn D. Maryland (Wichita Falls, Texas); his children – Marques D. Maryland (Zayda) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Matthew D. Maryland of Wichita Falls, Texas; Micah D. Maryland and Meredith D. Maryland of Atlanta, Georgia; four grandchildren – Marquel D. Maryland of Duncanville, Texas; Marco, Marques, Jr., and Moses Maryland of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; three sisters – Bonnie Aitkens (Kirkland) of Seattle, Washington; Robin Majors (Nathaniel) of Houma, Louisiana; Judy Gauche (Grable) of Houma, Louisiana; four brothers – Michael Maryland of Gibson, Louisiana; Gregory Maryland (Demetria) of Houma, Louisiana; Kennie Maryland (JoAnn) of Dulac, Louisiana; and Karnell Maryland of Houma, Louisiana; three aunts – Dimple Maryland Commodore of Houma, Louisiana; Hazel Poindexter Johnson and Naomi Poindexter McKay of Gibson, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents – Edward and Rosetta Maryland; one nephew – Gregory Maryland Jr. and a host of maternal and paternal aunts and uncles.

Services have been scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church officiated by Reverend Kirkland Aitkens. Interment will follow at Crestview Memorial Park.