Daryl David Baughey

Daryl David Baughey’s remarkable journey in life began in Morenci, Mich. on August 27, 1958 as Jon Daryl Green II. Unfortunately, at birth his mental or intellectual capacity was severely limited due to the lack of adequate oxygen. Fortunately, Daryl was able to live a relatively carefree normal life mostly due to his doting, endearing and loving mother, Beverly, and his many, many, many friends! Also, in a small part, when his mother married his adopted father Sam Baughey in August of 1969 he legally became Daryl David Baughey.

There were just no true enemies in Daryl’s mind. He greeted nearly everyone, old or new, with an extended hand, a smile and the words or mantra, “How you doin’?”

Throughout his life, Daryl was always noticing “pretty girls,” playing golf, bowling, karaoke, riding his lawnmower, horseback riding (Lenawee Therapeutic Riding), farming with his uncles and especially talking to his friends. Socialization was a huge part of Daryl’s daily routine and world. He loved attending the Hope Community Center (HCC) because of the numerous activities, visiting with the staff and talking incessantly with the other disabled adult members. 

Another aspect of his social interaction was his love for his numerous dogs, cats and a couple horses. Oh, he so cherished all of those animals. He cried and wept for each one when they eventually passed away. One other prominent activity was Daryl’s participation in the Special Olympics (SO). He was so rightfully proud to be a champion in so many different athletic events ever since the games inception in 1968-1969. Now perhaps a note of nostalgia and serendipity, his mother Beverly requested minutes before she passed away on January 23, 2016, “Promise me you’ll take care of Daryl.” I did and I have to the best of my ability!

Daryl is survived by his father, Samuel Baughey; aunts, uncles and many cousins as well as all the many friends he has met throughout his life. Daryl is preceded in death by his mother, Beverly A. (Frank) Baughey. 

So now when Daryl is interred right next to his mother at the Fairfield Cemetery, his mother Beverly and Jesus will once more “take care” of her “little boy!” Lastly, please remember Daryl David Baughey and what his adoring mother Beverly A. (Frank) Baughey truly believed and said, “Jesus Loves Us All.”

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh. Burial will take place later at Fairfield Cemetery, Fairfield. Visitation will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28 at the funeral home with service to follow at 2 p.m. Casual attire is appropriate per Daryl’s style. As per Daryl, his mother Beverly and I’s wishes, in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Hope Community Center and the Lenawee Therapeutic Riding, which was apropos and gratifying to Daryl.