Obituary for Darrell Wayne "Tex" Smith
Darrell Smith
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Darrell Wayne (Tex) Smith announces his passing on Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 at the Royal University Hospital after a brief but intense struggle with a rare blood disorder called Amyloidosis. Darrell fought hard to remain with us but it was a battle that was not to be won. He answered God’s call, the author of salvation, to come to his heavenly home and he did so with dignity, grace and his ever present sense of humour. One can only imagine the stories he will have to tell when we meet again.
Darrell was born on a snowy day on March 28th, 1947, in Waurika Oklahoma. A rare occurrence that time of year, undoubtedly announcing to the world that he was someone special. He grew up on a farm near the Red River and attended grade school in a nearby town of Temple. His high school nickname was “Hot Rod’r”, fitting for a man always on the go while possessing a lifetime love of vehicles to include his 2015 F-150 Lariat.
After high school, graduation he answered the draft call and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August of 1965. He completed basic training in San Diego and then in December of that year he began a 13 month tour in VietNam. The rest of his naval service was spent at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It was there he met the love of his life, Jayne, a young Canadian nurse. They were married on August 3rd, 1968 prior to Darrell receiving an honorable discharge. The young couple then settled stateside in Grand Prairie Texas. He embarked on several jobs before deciding to take advantage of the G.I. Bill and enrolled in Machinist School, a trade he excelled at.
Family life was truly meaningful with the arrival of his first son Paul (1969), Patrick (1971) and Robin (1972). On a trip to Saskatchewan in 1973, Darrell took a tour of Alwinsal Mine and noted a job posting for a machinist. He applied successfully and began a 34 year career as a miner, first as a Machinist and then as an Occupational Health and Safety Officer. Darrell retired in 2006 on his 60th birthday.
Darrell was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, supporting all the family endeavours and attending hockey games, which was his favorite thing to do. He was looking forward to watching his great grandson Nolan start his hockey career in the coming years. He loved being a good neighbor and friend as well as Mr. Fix-It to anyone who needed assistance.
Darrell was predeceased by his father, Edward Dewayne Smith and brother-in-law Herb Royan. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jayne, son Paul & family, Brennan Smith (Tayia & great grandson Nolan), Chase Smith (Kenzie), Logan Wolfer (Shyanna), Jayden Wolfer, and Jaxtan Carlson, son Patrick Smith (Amber) & family Ethan Smith (Liza), Christian Smith and his precious daughter Robin Smith.
Additionally, he is survived by his mother Doris Smith, sister Dee Gillespie (Mike) and brother DeRay Smith all of Hastings Oklahoma.
We are all better for having known him and grateful he accompanied us on this journey.
Rest in Peace Tex. The Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 41 Shannon Street in Lanigan on Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 at 2 p.m. Interment will take place in Imperial at a later date. For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice please visit fotheringham-mcdougall.com
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Darrell Wayne (Tex) Smith announces his passing on Wednesday, September 11th, 2019 at the Royal University Hospital after a brief but intense struggle with a rare blood disorder called Amyloidosis. Darrell fought hard to remain with us but it was a battle that was not to be won. He answered God’s call, the author of salvation, to come to his heavenly home and he did so with dignity, grace and his ever present sense of humour. One can only imagine the stories he will have to tell when we meet again.
Darrell was born on a snowy day on March 28th, 1947, in Waurika Oklahoma. A rare occurrence that time of year, undoubtedly announcing to the world that he was someone special. He grew up on a farm near the Red River and attended grade school in a nearby town of Temple. His high school nickname was “Hot Rod’r”, fitting for a man always on the go while possessing a lifetime love of vehicles to include his 2015 F-150 Lariat.
After high school, graduation he answered the draft call and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August of 1965. He completed basic training in San Diego and then in December of that year he began a 13 month tour in VietNam. The rest of his naval service was spent at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It was there he met the love of his life, Jayne, a young Canadian nurse. They were married on August 3rd, 1968 prior to Darrell receiving an honorable discharge. The young couple then settled stateside in Grand Prairie Texas. He embarked on several jobs before deciding to take advantage of the G.I. Bill and enrolled in Machinist School, a trade he excelled at.
Family life was truly meaningful with the arrival of his first son Paul (1969), Patrick (1971) and Robin (1972). On a trip to Saskatchewan in 1973, Darrell took a tour of Alwinsal Mine and noted a job posting for a machinist. He applied successfully and began a 34 year career as a miner, first as a Machinist and then as an Occupational Health and Safety Officer. Darrell retired in 2006 on his 60th birthday.
Darrell was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, supporting all the family endeavours and attending hockey games, which was his favorite thing to do. He was looking forward to watching his great grandson Nolan start his hockey career in the coming years. He loved being a good neighbor and friend as well as Mr. Fix-It to anyone who needed assistance.
Darrell was predeceased by his father, Edward Dewayne Smith and brother-in-law Herb Royan. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jayne, son Paul & family, Brennan Smith (Tayia & great grandson Nolan), Chase Smith (Kenzie), Logan Wolfer (Shyanna), Jayden Wolfer, and Jaxtan Carlson, son Patrick Smith (Amber) & family Ethan Smith (Liza), Christian Smith and his precious daughter Robin Smith.
Additionally, he is survived by his mother Doris Smith, sister Dee Gillespie (Mike) and brother DeRay Smith all of Hastings Oklahoma.
We are all better for having known him and grateful he accompanied us on this journey.
Rest in Peace Tex. The Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 41 Shannon Street in Lanigan on Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 at 2 p.m. Interment will take place in Imperial at a later date. For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice please visit fotheringham-mcdougall.com