(From Ozark Funeral Home)Darrel Wayne Gordon, age 69, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 30, 2021, in Rogers, Arkansas surrounded by loved ones. Darrel was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
Darrel was born to Hazel Watson (Gordon) Lea and the late Robert Gordon on October 2, 1951, in Farmington, New Mexico. He was the third of four children.
During Darrel’s early childhood years, he lived in New Mexico and Oklahoma while his father played Minor League Baseball. He later moved to Pineville, MO where he grew up on the family farm.
Darrel developed a deep passion for sports at an early age which became a large part of his life. Darrel graduated from McDonald County High School in 1969 and then went on to play college basketball at State Fair Junior College. After graduating from Missouri Southern State College Darrel began teaching and coaching at McDonald County High School. He spent the next 20 years doing what he loved: coaching, teaching, and mentoring. Darrel’s passion for coaching and teaching positively impacted many lives and one of his favorite pastimes was reminiscing and sharing stories about his time as a coach and athlete.
Darrel became a loving father to Rebekah on May 18, 1980, and to Rachel on March 5, 1983. One of the many ways Darrel showed his love and devotion to his daughters was by attending every cheer and dance event even if that meant driving long distances or sitting in the stands by himself.
Darrel became a loving father to Rebekah on May 18, 1980, and to Rachel on March 5, 1983. One of the many ways Darrel showed his love and devotion to his daughters was by attending every cheer and dance event even if that meant driving long distances or sitting in the stands by himself.
Darrel’s daughters shared his passion for Arkansas Razorback athletics. During the games you could see his eyes light up when one of the girls called to talk about the game. Anyone who spent time near Darrel knew how proud he was that Rachel shared his passion for teaching and followed in her dad’s footsteps becoming an educator. He also loved watching Rebekah’s boys play sports and sharing the highlights.
On August 2, 1997, Darrel married Brenda. He spent the next 24 years by her side. During those 24 years they spent the majority of their time together. In fact, the only time you could find Darrel without Brenda was at the crappie hole. Upon marrying Brenda, he became a loving father and mentor to her children as well. Darrel never missed a game or event and was always their biggest fan. Together, he and Brenda have twelve grandsons. You can see a part of Papa Darrel in each and every one, whether it is their love for sports, fishing, classic movies, or John Wayne. He was never too busy to build a fort, go to a game, or push one of the boys on the swing for hours. Whenever he wasn’t with them, he and Brenda spent most of their time laughing and telling stories about them.
Darrel truly cared about those around him. When others were happy, he was genuinely happy. He loved to celebrate life’s wins with you no matter how small they may have seemed. He always wanted people to know he was proud of them and that they should be proud of themselves. He had a true gift for building others up. His empathy and selflessness made him beloved by so many.
Preceding him in death, his father Robert Gordon, his brother Michael Gordon, and his stepfather Earl Lea.
Darrel leaves behind his wife, Brenda of the home. His beloved mother Hazel Lea of Shell Knob. Two sisters, Linda Schlessman and husband Geral of Pineville and Barbara Faulks of Shell Knob. Two daughters Rebekah Barrows and husband Dave of Peoria, Arizona and Rachel Gordon and Fred Muraview of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Four stepchildren, Jeremy Murphy and wife Cynthia of Anderson, Michael Murphy and Amy Reese of Anderson, Adam Murphy and wife Ashley of Anderson, Kaisha Kline and husband Shannon of Springdale. Twelve grandsons and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 5, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., in the Anderson Chapel of Ozark Funeral Homes, in Anderson, Missouri. Funeral services will be held directly after visitation, at 10:00 a.m., with Dennis Bergen officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers will be all twelve of his grandsons: Treyton Murphy, Jace Murphy, Devon Barrows, Mason Barrows, Austin Barrows, Darin Barrows, Clayton Lynn, Zander Murphy, Corbin Murphy, Daxton Kline, Tucker Kline, and Hudson Kline.
On August 2, 1997, Darrel married Brenda. He spent the next 24 years by her side. During those 24 years they spent the majority of their time together. In fact, the only time you could find Darrel without Brenda was at the crappie hole. Upon marrying Brenda, he became a loving father and mentor to her children as well. Darrel never missed a game or event and was always their biggest fan. Together, he and Brenda have twelve grandsons. You can see a part of Papa Darrel in each and every one, whether it is their love for sports, fishing, classic movies, or John Wayne. He was never too busy to build a fort, go to a game, or push one of the boys on the swing for hours. Whenever he wasn’t with them, he and Brenda spent most of their time laughing and telling stories about them.
Darrel truly cared about those around him. When others were happy, he was genuinely happy. He loved to celebrate life’s wins with you no matter how small they may have seemed. He always wanted people to know he was proud of them and that they should be proud of themselves. He had a true gift for building others up. His empathy and selflessness made him beloved by so many.
Preceding him in death, his father Robert Gordon, his brother Michael Gordon, and his stepfather Earl Lea.
Darrel leaves behind his wife, Brenda of the home. His beloved mother Hazel Lea of Shell Knob. Two sisters, Linda Schlessman and husband Geral of Pineville and Barbara Faulks of Shell Knob. Two daughters Rebekah Barrows and husband Dave of Peoria, Arizona and Rachel Gordon and Fred Muraview of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Four stepchildren, Jeremy Murphy and wife Cynthia of Anderson, Michael Murphy and Amy Reese of Anderson, Adam Murphy and wife Ashley of Anderson, Kaisha Kline and husband Shannon of Springdale. Twelve grandsons and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 5, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., in the Anderson Chapel of Ozark Funeral Homes, in Anderson, Missouri. Funeral services will be held directly after visitation, at 10:00 a.m., with Dennis Bergen officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers will be all twelve of his grandsons: Treyton Murphy, Jace Murphy, Devon Barrows, Mason Barrows, Austin Barrows, Darin Barrows, Clayton Lynn, Zander Murphy, Corbin Murphy, Daxton Kline, Tucker Kline, and Hudson Kline.
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