Daryl Wayne Staha

Daryl grew up in Schulenburg, Texas, and graduated from Schulenburg High School. He, his brother, and his sister spent many childhood days at his grandpa and grandma's farm in Halletsville, Texas, climbing trees, feeding the farm animals, hunting dove, and helping with the garden crops.

Daryl moved to Austin, Texas, in his 20's. After graduating from the Travis County Sheriff's Academy in 1987, he joined and stayed with the Pflugerville Police Department for 27 years until his retirement in 2014. He had a strong work ethic and was admired by all who worked beside him. He loved serving his community and made so many friends along the way.

Daryl had other ventures in his life. In 2007, he and his buddy, Rick Mouser, purchased and remodeled a warehouse on 4 acres and operated their RV, vehicle, and storage business, Five-O Storage, for several years.

Daryl loved going to auctions, namely spending a Saturday afternoon at his long-time, close friend Bob Sheehan's auction business, Gaston & Sheehan Auctioneers. There, you could always find Daryl in the crowd ready to bid on his next collectible, yard art find, or piece of jewelry.

In 2012, he and his stepson, Aaron, opened Pflugerville Furniture Center, where they spent the next 11 years operating as business partners until Daryl's passing. Daryl loved being at the store. He loved talking with everyone who came into the store, and he loved those years spent with Aaron.

Daryl enjoyed the simple things in life – like sitting on the back porch with a rum and coke on ice, having conversations with neighbors, phone calls with friends, or discussing his life experiences and words of wisdom with his son, Ryan, who followed the same law enforcement career path. He loved spending time in his yard, working in his vegetable garden, and tending to his flowers. After he retired from law enforcement, he bought a custom-made barbeque pit and went through some trial-and-error pit cooking until he perfected the best-tasting Barbeque around. He became known as D's Backyard Barbeque and was always ready to cook up a rack of ribs, brisket, or steaks for friends and family. Daryl also loved his purple martin birds. Over time, he put up several martin houses in his backyard. He knew what day his scouts and purple martin colonies would arrive year after year. He knew how many pairs were nesting and kept count of the eggs and hatchlings.

Daryl and Karen loved spending time on the Gulf Coast with their boys at their home away from home in Port Aransas. They shared many trips, good times, and fond memories with family and friends. Daryl loved sports and was a diehard fan of football, known by all as a big Dallas Cowboys fan.

Daryl is preceded in death by his parents, Irene Staha and Eugene (Joe) Staha and sister-in-law, Darlene. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Karen; son, Ryan; stepson, Aaron, who he raised and loved like his own; grandson, Brayden; brother, Howard Staha (Nicole); sister, Barbara Duty (Gary); sisters-in-law; Patricia, Toni, Mary and Kelly (Darrin); brothers-in-law Patrick and Paul. Nieces Cari, Amy, Sarah, Heather, Tara, Lauren, and Callie. Nephews Eric, Adam, Jason, and Adam, and countless friends.

Of all the things Daryl loved, he especially loved his family and friends. He will be remembered for so many things by so many people. From his sons, Daryl will be remembered as a strong man with a loving soul that would do anything for his children. As a friend, Daryl was gracious and giving. As a grandfather (Papa) to Brayden, they shared a special bond, and Daryl was always eager to talk baseball and just about anything a boy and his papa loved to talk about. As a brother to Howard and Barbara and to his nieces and nephews, he was always ready for a laugh, to talk stories of growing up, and to be there at the drop of a hat to give a helping hand. He will be remembered as a husband for his unwavering love, support, and loyalty.

For those who loved him, we are left with a void that can never be replaced. He will truly be missed.

A visitation for Daryl will be held Friday, June 16, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, with graveside service to follow at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Staha family.