COMPTON, GARY DARYLL (1947~2026). The following is an obituary for Gary Daryll Compton, Member and Chairman, Texas Youth Commission; Member, Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. The obituary was provided by the Compton family.
Gary Daryll Compton was born August 12, 1947 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Upon moving to Texas with his family, Compton graduated from Childress High School in 1965. While enrolled at Texas Tech University, he spent the summer of 1967 attending the George Washington University School of Business. That summer he was selected for the White House Summer Intern Program. While being an undergraduate from Texas Tech University in 1969, Compton was accepted to Baylor University School of Law and received his law degree in 1971.
After becoming a licensed attorney, Compton practiced in Amarillo until he became the Director of the Independent Petroleum Association of America in 1982. An active member of the Amarillo community, Compton served as a member of the Mayor’s Strategic Planning Committee on External Affairs, served as member and Chairman of Councils and Committees for the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Foundation for a Drug-Free Environment for the Amarillo and Canyon Areas. In 1989, Governor William P. Clements, Jr. appointed Compton as a member of the Texas Youth Commission. As Chairman of the Youth Commission, Compton oversaw the Texas Juvenile Corrections system at a critical time in the history of the Commission. Texas was experiencing an explosion of juvenile crime. Under Compton’s leadership, the Commission was re-structured to meet the needs of Texas, new leadership was selected, higher standards established and historic legislative changes were made to ensure effective rehabilitation of youth and protection of the public. The programs and protocols of Compton’s leadership became a bellwether for other States and municipalities to follow. Governor Clements also appointed Compton as a member of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. Compton was re-appointed to the Commission twice subsequently by Governors Richards and Bush.
Gary Compton enjoyed a unique practice within the world of Texas Oil & Gas, both as attorney and as citizen, having been reared in the Panhandle, the son of an aerial spraying service owner with a keen interest in and familiarity with aircraft of all descriptions. He cut a wide swath through Texas politics from the Panhandle through Austin with connections and colleagues in every area of energy production and management as well as natural resources. A skilled reader of the political tea leaves, he was frequently sought as consultant and ally from both sides of the Aisle. Compton was a proud member of Governor Rick Perry’s One Star Foundation. He was a frequent consultant on matters legal and political and a devoted conservative, irrespective of party lines.
During the Presidential campaign leading up to the 2000 Presidential Election and subsequent Recount, Compton was asked to serve on The Bush Committee, which he accepted with pride and vigor. He was tapped to serve on the legal team who traveled to Florida to oversee and chronicle the historic Recount.
In addition to his energy practice, Gary loved cars, enjoyed country music, fine distillates and aircraft. Gary and Diana were dear friends and traveling companions with the late Waylon Jennings and his beautiful wife Jessi Colter and Gary served as Waylon’s personal attorney. He also served as personal counsel to the late T. Boone Pickens.
Gary and Diana Compton met at the tender age of three months, just six months apart in age, and for both of them, there was never anyone else. Devoted animal lovers, their beautiful home was filled with the sounds of happy dogs and a verbose African Grey Parrot named Albert. Diana’s death in 2013 took a terrible toll on Gary and he frequently expressed his wish to join her in Paradise. He was a follower of Jesus Christ and frequently expressed his faith, his gratitude and his longing for Heaven. He has now attained his most fervent desire. Gary spent his last days in the home of his beloved brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Joyce Compton, who cared for him in the most attentive and loving manner. He passed away peacefully and joyfully during the early morning hours of August 10, just days away from his 79th birthday.
Gary Daryll Compton, a life well lived.
Services set for Friday, September 4, 10 a.m. at the Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota Street, Austin, Texas 78702, graveside service with reception and reminiscing to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider a contribution to the Austin Pets Alive 1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78702
