Daryl Thomas Youngbear, a beloved soul whose life journey began on August 15, 1975, in Ponca City, OK, peacefully passed away on January 2nd, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. His time on earth, though met with its challenges, was marked by kindness, a deep connection to his community, and a passion for culinary arts nurtured at Pioneer Vo-Tech in Ponca City, OK.
Born to Thomasine Grass-Blueback and Fred Youngbear in Ponca City, Daryl’s formative years were spent in Newkirk, OK, where he attended elementary and middle school. He later returned to Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1995. It was at Pioneer Vo-Tech, a cornerstone of Ponca City, that Daryl discovered his true calling in culinary arts. This education at Pioneer Vo-Tech ignited a lifelong passion for cooking, a skill he generously shared with his community and loved ones.
Daryl’s love for cooking was not confined to a kitchen; it was a vibrant part of his community involvement. He eagerly contributed his culinary talents at pow-wows, always ready to prepare traditional foods whenever asked. His participation in the annual Ponca tribal shinny games further showcased his connection to his heritage and community spirit in Ponca City. Beyond his community engagements, Daryl enjoyed the entertainment of WWE, the warmth of large family gatherings, and the simple joy of setting off fireworks. His faith was also a central part of his life, as a lifelong member of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church.
Described as simple and humble, Daryl possessed an enormous heart and a genuinely kind soul. Those fortunate enough to have known him understood the depth of his caring nature. He had an exceptional ability to make anyone he met feel like family, creating instant and lasting bonds with people from all walks of life in and around Ponca City.
Daryl was the eldest of seven siblings, leaving behind Chalsie and her husband Boydd Romero of El Paso, TX; Lacey Youngbear of Wichita, KS; Tianna Youngbear, Martin “Blue” and his wife Leray Blueback III, Sarah Tillman, Isaiah Blueback, and Rebekah Blueback, all residing in Ponca City, OK. While he did not have children of his own, he embraced his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren as his cherished “babies.” In addition to his siblings and “babies,” Daryl is survived by his mother, Thomasine Grass-Blueback, and Deborah Hays, the love of his life.
He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Charles and Martha Grass, stepfather Martin Blueback II, and grandson Taton Grass.
Serving as pallbearers are Morgan Grass, Richard and Isaiah Thompson, Gered Black, and Martin “Blue” and Isaiah Blueback, honoring Daryl’s memory and his place within his family and community.
Officiating his services are Pastor Brandon Kemble of Ponca Indian Baptist Church and Pastor Jimmy White of Ponca Indian Methodist Church, reflecting the spiritual foundation of Daryl’s life.
Although a member of the Meskwaki tribe, Daryl was a proud Ponca descendant. In a final tribute, he was honored with a last lap around the Ponca powwow grounds, a place he dearly loved, before being laid to rest in his final resting spot.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the ER staff of Blackwell Regional Hospital, the dedicated team at Fresenius Kidney Care, and the compassionate staff of the ICU at St. John’s Medical Center for their care and support during Daryl’s final days.
Daryl Thomas Youngbear’s legacy is one of kindness, community involvement through his culinary skills honed at Pioneer Vo-Tech Ponca City OK, and a heart that embraced everyone he met. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him in Ponca City and beyond.
