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
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9 Condolence(s)
Joe Snelson
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
I was in Mr. Matthews stagecraft class not too many years after he started at Cal Hi. Being in his class was one of the best things that happened to me in my teen years. It further inspired me to move forward with my career in television, on the technical side. I will share a funny story that I remember to this day. We were doing a rehearsal for the musical of Sound of Music which we were putting on at the Whittier High auditorium. I was the lighting director and was on an elevated platform in the wings on stage right. We were doing the Abbey scene when Mr. Matthews called down on the headset and asked me what scene we were doing. I told him the Abbey. He said, well then, turn down the red lights because it looks like they are in hades! I got a chuckle out of it and got ‘‘em turned down. He was great to work with. May God’s blessing continue to strengthen the family during this time.
Steven Zapata
Monday, January 23, 2023
“Now class,†his beautifully rich voice bellowed every morning at 900a, prepping us for a lesson, play, musical, or life-helping performance we’d yet to appreciate. 25 years later and this wonderful man still lures me forward. Thank you Mr. Mathews, see you on the other side of that rainbow. California, H.S. c/o ‘98.
William P SHAW
Monday, January 23, 2023
BEST OF THE BEST AT CAL HI. HAD STAGECRAFTS FOR 4 YEARS. HE WAS A GREAT TEACHER. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND..
Diane Jewell
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Dearest Kay and family. I'm so sorry to hear of Darrell's passing. May you be comforted by our Father's love & peace at this most difficult time. "To be absent from the body, is to be present with The Lord" Keeping you all in prayer. Love, in Him. Diane Jewell
Jenifer Coleman
Friday, December 23, 2022
As a student at Cal Hi, Mr. Mathews inspired me to always be better, find my joy, and never be ashamed or embarrassed of myself. If anything, he encouraged us all to find what made us unique and hold onto it with both hands. As a teacher myself for 23 years now, I appreciate even more deeply what he did for us all. There are generations of students who are better people for having had him in our lives. My deepest condolences to the family, and my deepest love and gratitude to Mr. Mathews.
Craig Jones
Friday, December 23, 2022
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Mathews’ passing. May God bring peace and hold his family and sustain them with His powerful Hands.
Dan Newsom
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Darrell was a great friend and beloved member of our Faithbuilders Bible Class. Prayers for Kay and the family.
Dan And Barbara Newsom
Tommy and Bettye Wooley
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Sorry to learn of Darrell’s death. Thoughts are with family.
Rickie and Brenda Roach
Thursday, December 22, 2022
We love your sweet family and we are praying for each of you. Darrell was a good ma and will be greatly missed.