Daniel Cruz Dehoyos

Daniel Cruz DeHoyos age 51 of Amarillo passed from this life on July 17, 2025, in Amarillo.

The family will receive guests at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 South Georgia, on Monday evening, July 21, 2025, from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM.

The funeral service will be on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Schooler Funeral Home, Brentwood Chapel. Rev. Hrudaya Kondamudi will be officiating.

Daniel was born on June 14, 1974, in El Paso, Texas. At six months old, he was adopted by Phillip M. and Rebecca Buitron DeHoyos, becoming a cherished part of their growing family. From the start, Daniel brought with him a powerful lesson in unconditional love. He and his mother shared a deeply special bond, one that remained unshakable until her passing. After her death, Tonya stepped in and became his “person,” continuing that deep connection.

Daniel took great pride in his family. He was the official family communicator, keeping everyone informed and connected, making sure no one was ever out of the loop.

From an early age, Daniel was a formidable soul. He embraced his childhood nicknames “Turkey Lurkey” and “Hulk Man” with pride. A proud graduate of Caprock High School in 1993, Daniel found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He believed Burger King, Long John Silver’s, and Arby’s were the food of the gods—and never met a Chinese buffet he didn’t like.

He worked as a janitor at the Amarillo airport, a job he took immense pride in. He made friends everywhere he went. Daniel had a rare gift—he truly listened. He engaged people by asking questions, making them feel heard and valued. His sincerity and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Daniel was full of life and energy. He was a passionate sports fan, especially when it came to boxing and football. His favorite team? Whichever one was playing against the Dallas Cowboys—though there was always speculation he was a secret Cowboys fan, given his love for the colors blue, silver, and black.

He also had a deep love of music and animals, especially dogs.  Some would say he liked dogs more than he liked people! His personality was as rich and vibrant as his music library, and his love for others was as constant as his affection for every four-legged friend he met.

Daniel’s legacy is one of unconditional love. He will be deeply missed by everyone lucky enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Daniel is survived by his two sisters, Rachel DeHoyos and her wife Cindy Prestidge of Canyon, Tonya Detten and her husband Steve of Panhandle; his brother, Steve DeHoyos and his wife Kristin of Illinois; and his nieces and nephews, Stephen Detten and his wife Emily, Phillip Detten and his wife Vanessa, Anthony DeHoyos and his wife Mari, Kayla Hoff and Emily DeHoyos.