of Searcy, AR

May 1, 1938 - December 20, 2022

Life of Darrell Eugene Mathews
Age: 84
Day Passed: December 20, 2022
Born: May 1, 1938 in Chandler, OK
Moved to California with his parents, Paul and Susan Mathews, at the age of 5. Graduated from Pepperdine University in 1961 with an education and theater degree. Upon graduation he was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Virginia where he was a member of the U.S. Army Show mobile.
He returned to California after being discharged from the army and began teaching theater and English at Cal High in Whittier, California where he taught for 35 years. During that time he completed his masters degree at California State Fullerton.
He met his wife, Kay, through a lunch date with both sets of parents and they were married on December 19, 1964
Darrell and Kay have 2 sons, Darren (Kim) from Searcy, AR; Mitch (Alice) from Georgia; 4 grandchildren, Hannah Harrell (Austin), Searcy; Hayden (Pniel), Israel; Evan, Georgia; Braden, Georgia and 1 great granddaughter, Emory Harrell, Searcy.
During his career of teaching theater former students became teachers, performers, workers on Broadway, in movies and television. He had a multitude of students express these thoughts:
"A day does not go by in which I do not remember with a heart full of love and gratitude everything you did to inspire and motivate me to work hard and love what I do.
I have nearly everything to thank you for, and endeavor every day to be the father to my son, that you were to me".
During their years of living in California, Darrell was a deacon at the Yorba Linda Church of Christ. He organized and taught on the Joy Bus, vacation Bible school and was the activity director for many years.
Darrell was noted for his love of the "Wizard of Oz" and acted as the Tin Man and Cowardly Lion and has an extensive collection of memorabilia.
He has been a member of the College Church of Christ for the past 19 years.
A Memorial Service will be held 10:00AM Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the College Church of Christ, 712 E Race Searcy, Arkansas
Online guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home
411 East Race Avenue
Searcy, AR  72145
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com