Daylen Kent Gallman, 46, of Dallas, formerly of Friona passed away on November 26, 2017, in Dallas.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 2, 2017, at Friona United Methodist Church with Rev. Skip Hodges, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Friona Cemetery under the direction of Blackwell-Mullins Funeral Home of Friona

Daylen was born March 5, 1971, in Friona to JeDon and Kitty Black Gallman.  He graduated from Friona High School in 1989.  In 1993 he graduated cum laude from Hardin-Simmons University with a B.B.S. in Psychology, and a minor in theater and music.  In 1996 he earned his M.Ed in Counseling and Human Development graduating magna cum laude from Hardin-Simmons University. In May of 2003, Daylen earned his Juris Doctorate from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in Dallas where he was a Nationally Recognized Moot Court competitor.

Daylen practiced law specializing in commercial law and insurance defense in Dallas fourteen years.  He earned the recognition of being a Rising Star Lawyer and Super Lawyer for nine consecutive years. He was a member of the Dallas Legal Hospice and Child Advocacy, and was voted Influential Man of Dallas in 2008.

While at Hardin-Simmons, Daylen worked for MHMR supervising a work force of Special Needs and Mentally and Emotionally challenged adults.  His first job in Dallas was as a dorm supervisor and then dorm administrator at Buckner Baptist Children's Home.  He then became administrator for a Montessori School in Dallas while he attended law school at SMU.  Daylen's compassionate heart opened for anyone, especially a child who was challenged by life, whether it was physically, mentally, emotionally, or circumstantially.  He was forever doing pro bono work, in his words, "because they just don't have anybody else to help them."  That compassion spilled over into every area of his life even to animals.  His constant companion and love of his life was Lucy, a rescued American Pit Bull.

Daylen worshipped the God he loved with music.  He shared his talent at any opportunity he was given with great joy and enthusiasm.

Daylen is survived by his parents JeDon and Kitty Gallman of Friona, his sister Melanie Braun and her husband Jerry of Clovis, NM, his niece Jessie London of Lubbock, his nephew Oran London of Friona and a large, loving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.  And of course, his dog Lucy.

Because Daylen was touched by the needs of unfortunate children, the family suggests memorials be made to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch or a children's charity of your choice.