October 1, 1937 — June 27, 2024
Darrel Dean Smith was born on October 1st, 1937, in Isabella, Oklahoma, to Loren Clarence Smith and Florene Myrtle Wilson. Darrel, aged 86, passed away on June 27th, 2024, while in hospice in Oklahoma City. Darrel attended Homestead and Okeene High School and completed his studies in Hillsdale, Oklahoma, where he graduated in 1957. After high school, Darrel enlisted in the US Army, serving as a Radio Carrier Repairman Operator from 1956 to 1958. In 1970, Darrel graduated from Central State University in Edmond with a Bachelor's Degree in industrial arts. While in Edmond, he served as a police officer with his K9 partner, King, who later became their beloved family pet. Darrel was a dedicated worker who always put his family first. He excelled in drafting, ran his own business for many years, and eventually retired after teaching industrial arts and coaching various sports. Darrel married Judy Kay Wight on November 28th, 1958, and they had three daughters: Dena, Melody, and Tischa. Darrel was known for his sense of humor, his love for the Oklahoma Sooners, riding motorcycles, and his devotion to his wife, Judy Kay. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed sharing his craft with others. He was a member of the Church of Christ, where he enjoyed volunteering in the food pantry. Darrel is survived by his wife, Judy Kay, and his daughters Dena Sanders (husband Jack Sanders), Melody Schell (husband Joseph Schell), and Tischa Ludzack (husband Don Ludzack). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ashley Freelove, Alex Ewbank, Trent Ludzack, Madeline Albright, James Ludzack, Valerie Ludzack, Avery Schell, Ashton Schell, Sienna Schell, and Isaiah Schell, as well as five great-grandchildren. Darrel is preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Florene Smith, brothers Douglas Smith, Charles Smith, and Roger Smith, and grandson Thomas Ludzack.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd at 2 pm at Ladusau-Evans Chapel with Rev. Jim Edmison officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory. A Reception will follow.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
A United Methodist Retirement Community
Tours: 301 S. Oakwood | (580) 237-6164
Enid's Only Faith-based, Not-For-Profit, Complete Continuous Care Community. Including Long Term Care, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living Apartments and Townhomes.
