Terry Darby

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Mr. Terry Gene Darby, 61, of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday, March 5, 2017, after a recent decline in health.

Terry entered this life on April 7, 1955, in Joplin, Missouri, born to the union of the late Clarence and Lela (Johnson) Darby. He was a lifelong resident of Joplin and a 1973 graduate of Memorial High School. He furthered his education at MSSC earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Terry had various occupations throughout his life. He served as a Police Officer in both Butler and Southwest City, Missouri, taught special education in Carl Junction and Joplin Schools, was a Private Investigator for over thirty years and worked ten years at Regal Plastics. He enjoyed collecting music, playing the guitar and Native American History. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, member of the Cherokee Nation and the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two siblings, Kenneth Darby and Wanda Darby Wright.

Terry is survived by one brother, Jerry Darby and wife, Suzanna, of Joplin, Missouri; five nieces and nephews, Barbara Wright Womack of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Lisa Oglesby of Kansas City, Missouri, Michael Wright of Branson, Missouri, Quinn Darby of Bloomington, Illinois and Cheyenne Darby of Joplin, Missouri; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral Mass for Mr. Darby will be held on Friday, March 10, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Justin Monaghan officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Joplin. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Michael Binkholder, Brad Myers, Mark Phipps, Gary Powers, Todd Thorpe and David Martin. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to either St. Vincent De Paul or the Joplin Humane Society c/o the mortuary. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through www.thornhilldillon.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.