Mr. Harlin J. Dauphin, beloved Educator, Coach, Principal and former Superintendent of Ennis ISD, passed away in Ennis, Wednesday, May 18, 2016.
Mr. Dauphin was born in Atlanta, Texas, September 22, 1926, to Odie D. and Lillie Alma (Moore) Dauphin. From Atlanta, his family, which included an older brother, Estel Aubushon Dauphin and two sisters, Marnina Kamari Dauphin and Barbara Nell Dauphin, moved to the Magnolia Oil Camp in Kilgore, Texas, in 1931.
Harlin graduated from Sabine High School in 1944, (where he played football, basketball and ran track, and was an All-District football player 1942 and 1943, basketball, 1944, track district mile run winner), from Kilgore College (where he played football and received an Associate of Arts degree) in 1948 and from Hardin-Simmons University (where he played in three football Bowl games: Grape Bowl in California, Camelia Bowl in Louisiana and Schriner Bowl in Arkansas. In May 1950, he received a Bachelor of Science degree). In 1964, he received a Masters degree from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M Commerce. Partial work toward a Doctorate was pursued at North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas, during the school year of 1973-1974.
Mr. Dauphin joined the United States Navy Air Corps in 1944 and served our country proudly in the South Pacific (Guam). Due to the “point system”, he was discharged to reserve status, but was recalled to active duty on October 24, 1950, serving in Korea aboard the USS Bataan flying “sorties” over Korea. He was discharged when his enlistment ended and was awarded the “Silver Star” medal for his service.
After completing his military service to our country, Mr. Dauphin began his lengthy and highly respected career in education. He began as a teacher and coach in the Judson ISD in 1950, but was recalled to active duty with the U. S. Navy. After being discharged from the Navy, he returned to Judson ISD in 1952. In August, 1952 he became an Assistant Football and Basketball Coach, Head Baseball Coach and Science Teacher with the Hawkins ISD. Coaching was one of Harlin’s passions. His Football teams were District Champions in 1953, ‘54 and ‘55; Bi-District Champions in 1953, ‘54 and ‘55; Regional Champions in 1955, which, at that time was the highest level.
On June 2, 1949, Harlin was married to Charlene Culbertson. They lived in the Longview – Hawkins, Texas, area for seven years then lived in Stanton, Texas, for five years. In 1963, they moved to Ennis, Texas, where they became part of the Ennis ISD and where they chose to remain. While in Ennis, Mr. Dauphin was a Coach, Teacher, Principal and ultimately, Superintendent of Ennis ISD. He was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Ennis, and was active in Ennis Noon Lions Club, Ennis Lionbackers, and many other civic and educational organizations as long as health permitted. Harlin loved Ennis and Ennis loved him! As some would say, Mr. Dauphin “bled” Maroon!
Mr. and Mrs. Dauphin have four children: Ronald J. Dauphin, and wife, Irene, Harla Jan (Dauphin) Braddock, and husband, Steve, Rodney J. Dauphin and Carla Jean (Dauphin) Zajic. Harlin is also survived by two sisters, Marnina Fransen and Barbara Rhodes; grandchildren: Russell, Ryan, Stephanie, Jamie, Hailey and Zackerie; and great-grandchildren: Kamela, Payton, Brayde, Ryder, Ryland, Jordan, Trenten, Kolbie, Lucas, Mitch and Lily.
Harlin is preceded in death by his parents, Odie and Lillie Dauphin, his wife, Charlene (November 5, 2001), and one brother, Estel Aubushon Dauphin.
Visitation is scheduled for Monday, May 23, 2016, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc., 408 N. Dallas Street, Ennis, Texas.
Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at 10:15 a.m. at DFW National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Ennis ISD Education Foundation.
www.jekeevermortuary.com