Darrell D. Edmondson

Darrell D. Edmondson, age 70, of Grove, Oklahoma passed away at his home on Friday, September 15, 2023. He was born in Siloam Springs, Arkansas on November 20, 1952. Growing up, Darrell worked every day on his parent’s farm, feeding and working cattle. He continued to put up all their hay and work their cattle until they sold their farm, when Darrell was in his 50’s. He worked 4 and 5 jobs all his life until he retired in 2022. The first ALLSTATE quarterback to come from his high school in Gentry, Arkansas, Darrell was a talented football player and he holds the single season record there. The cattle industry was his passion, and he was a successful, hardworking rancher in Gentry most of his life. He was known as “THE Charolais bull a cattle man” in the 4 state area. He married Arawanah (Buckett) in Springdale, Arkansas on November 22, 1992. The couple attended the Baptist Church in Gentry. They moved to Grove in 2022. Darrell was also a martial arts instructor for over 20 years and earned a 4th degree black belt in Hwa-rang-do. He owned and operated 4 schools along with his twin brother. Darrell was a commanding presence who quickly earned the respect of over 1,000 students during his teaching. He had a tough exterior, but in fact he was a kind and loving person to his family, as well as all babies and animals. Music was another of his many talents, as he enthusiastically played the guitar and sang almost every weekend, performing at the opening of the Philbrook museum, as well as the Springdale rodeo, opening for the legendary Cate Brothers. Darrel was a lifelong horseman and one of the best riders anyone has ever seen, cutting cattle or breaking bucking horses. Of all of Darrell’s accomplishments, his greatest achievement was and still is his incredible son, Gabriel Edmondson, who is his pride and joy. Darrel coached Gabe in baseball and as a quarterback in football. They enjoyed playing guitar and singing together as well as watching the Razorbacks. He is preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Faye Kelley Edmondson. Left to cherish Darrell’s memory, his wife, Arawanah Edmondson, son Gabe Edmondson and fiancé Dayla Marney, of Grove; 3 grandchildren, Isabella Grace, Hendrix Race and Chloe ‘Coco’ Edmondson; sister, Brenda Sullivan was his close confidant and they shared a very special relationship, and nephew, Ian Sullivan and wife, Ashley and great nephews, Cuey, Michael and Sean Sullivan. Services are private for immediate family only, but the family would like to acknowledge honorary pallbearers and lifelong friends, Larry Curran, Mike Parks and Steve Still. Darrell graciously donated the last 3 acres of the Dickson Cemetery at Cherokee City, which was originally donated by his grandmother Dickson. Arrangements entrusted to Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services.

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Darrell D. Edmondson

November 20, 1952 - September 15, 2023