Dallas F Acklin

Dallas Franklin Acklin, 96, of Hamlin, Texas passed away on October 1, 2024, after a short illness. He was born November 11, 1927, to Chester Franklin and Gertrude Matilde Skipper Acklin in the Hamlin home of the doctor that delivered him. Dallas was brought up in Radium until his family moved to a home that was located where the current Hamlin track field now sits. He grew up in a large family being one of nine children. Growing up, his family farmed land in a system referred to as “shared farming” where the tenants farmed the land, and the landowners supplied the equipment. As if farming during the depression wasn’t hard enough, World War II hit. Dallas wanted to join the military like all his brothers, but didn’t reach drafting age until the end of the war. Even if he was drafting age, it would not have mattered because the draft board said that he was needed on the farm as an essential worker. This is something that always bothered Dallas because he wanted to serve his country. It was during this time that Dallas spotted the love of his life, Lois Williams Acklin, while roller skating. Soon after seeing her roller skating, he followed her throughout the Crow Brother’s Grocery store on main street. He followed her to the car and asked her on a date. Without any hesitation she said yes, and when he walked off, she turned to her mother and told her she was going to marry that boy. On October 8, 1948, Dallas and Lois married in Anson, Texas with both of their mothers as witnesses. Together they raised five children, including two girls and three boys. Dallas was not afraid to work and was one of the hardest working men you would ever find. He had a plethora of skills and jobs including but not limited to plumber, tractor mechanic, farmer and cowman. Most jobs were bound by a handshake along with an honest wage. Dallas left a legacy of a strong work ethic, trustworthiness and love for others. His witty sense of humor and his rhyming will be missed. Once their children were raised and gone, they picked up the hobby of dancing. They could be found dancing on the streets of Hamlin, various senior citizen dances around the surrounding counties, and most weekends at the Sweetwater VFW. They continued dancing almost weekly until COVID hit in the spring of 2020. Dallas and Lois loved their children, but really loved and adored all their grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He loved to fill their bellies with Cheetos Balls, candy and Coca Colas, which happened to be some of his favorite snacks. He would still get on the floor to play with his great-greats and could even be found “racing” them up and down the ramp on the front porch. He loved life to the fullest and never took anything for granted. He believed in hard work and the true meaning of a handshake. He lived through many historical events and was one of the oldest residents in Hamlin. There is no doubt that he was met at the gates of Heaven by the love of his life and can be found dancing on the streets of gold with a more youthful pep in his step. 

Dallas was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Lois Louise Acklin, and his parents Chester and Gertrude Acklin. He was also preceded in death by four brothers Walter Acklin, C.F. Acklin, T.G. Acklin, and Whitfield (Pinky) Acklin, as well as two sisters, Dovie Graham and Elsie Marie Acklin. 

Survivors include his five children; Jeanne Stubblefield (Robert), Lana Loyd (Barry), Dee Acklin (Judy), Andy Acklin (Sondra) and Richard Acklin; ten grandchildren, Danna Jenkins, Jori VanCleave (Mason), Laurie McKay (Steve), Bobby Stubblefield, Mike Stubblefield, Tim Weaver, Josh Loyd (Debby), Deidre Baker (Scott), Brittany Arce (Leroy), and Autumn Acklin; twelve great-grandchildren, Emily Lucas (Ryne), Macy VanCleave, Jenna VanCleave, Allie Jenkins, Abby Jenkins, Tyler Rister (Kalicia), Bren Rister, Jacob Weaver, Rachel Loyd, Emma Arce, Dawson Arce, Randy McKay (Jillian) and seven great-great grandchildren Oaklyn Rister, Cash Rister, Cooper Lucas, Parker Lucas, Hattie Lucas, Reece VanCleave and Conner McKay. He is also survived by two sisters, Margie Brown and Omega Sugg.