1944-2024
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Darrel Gene Wilson was 2 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, at First Baptist Church Weatherford, with the Rev. Earl Stephenson officiating.
Darrel Gene, affectionately known as Papa D, was born August 9, 1944, in Thomas, to Willie Lee and Iva Wilson. Papa D went to be with Jesus March 13, 2024, in Oklahoma City, at the age of 79.
Papa D grew up in Thomas, and graduated from Thomas High School. He met Joi Albright while they were both working at the Clinton-Sherman AFB.
They were married in Weatherford in 1967.
They were married 56 years, raising their four children and enjoying their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Papa D was devoted to his family. His unwavering support was evident in the countless miles he drove across the state, never missing an opportunity to cheer on his children or grandchildren at their many sports and activities.
Darrel spent the majority of his career with Mobile Oil Company. He especially enjoyed the time he spent working offshore.
Papa D loved riding his Harley with his sons and good friends, taking numerous cross-country trips.
He was a pro at buying and selling cars, particularly muscle cars.
He loved time spent with family on the lake boating and skiing. In his younger days he was even known to ski on a boat oar. He also enjoyed showing off his collection of coins to the ever-growing number of grands and great grands.
Papa D also loved to be outside. In recent years you could often find him sitting on the porch enjoying the country life. He and Joi are longtime members of the First Baptist Church of Weatherford. Darrel always was available to serve the church wherever needed.
When his children were younger, he spent many years volunteering in the youth department.
Darrel’s love for Joi was evident in the way he cared for her. It’s not an understatement to say he adored her. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include: his wife, Joi, of the home, in Weatherford; children, Cindi Dauphin and husband, Kirt, of San Angelo, Texas, Todd Wilson and wife, Dana, of Weatherford, Matthew Wilson and wife, Tobi, of Weatherford, and Andrew Wilson and wife, Joyce, of Stillwater; grandchildren, Ashley James and husband, Chris, of San Angelo, Texas, Katie Irvine and husband, Scott, of Athens, Georgia, Abigail Brown and husband, T.J., of San Angelo, Texas, Hannah Brunsvold and husband, Garrett, of Bridge Creek, Sarah Kerr and husband, Noah, of Weatherford, Rachel Wilson, Jacob Wilson, Luke Wilson and Mark Wilson, all of Weatherford, and Natalie Wilson, Carter Wilson and Henry Wilson, all of Stillwater; great grandchildren, Ethan, Ruthie, Lincoln and Everley James, Asher, Sullivan, Wellington, Naomi and Beatrice Irvine, and Mayes Brown, Grace Brunsvold and Evelynn Kerr; siblings, Warren Wilson and wife, Delores, of Clinton, Brenda Thomason and husband, Bryan, of Edmond, and Sandra Wright, of Weatherford; as well as many other nieces nephews and friends.
Darrel is preceded in death by his parents, Willie Lee and Iva Wilson, his siblings, Galeela McCall and Billi Sue Counts.