Ben A Darby's Obituary
Services for Ben A. Darby, 82, of Longview, will be 2 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2014, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Longview. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at Trinity. Interment will follow at Rosewood Park in Longview under the direction of Rader Funeral Home.
Mr. Darby passed on Monday, November 24, 2014, in Longview. He was born October 5, 1932, in Mt. Vernon, Texas, to James and Irene Darby.
Mr. Darby had a modest upbringing, which contributed to his strong work ethic, even as a young child. As a 4-year-old boy, he accompanied his father into the town of Mt. Vernon to help him sell firewood. These trips fueled his thirst for a day’s hard work and a dollar earned. At age 6, he sold Grit newspapers for 3 cents each, developing his own route and building his savings.
His first job as an adult was with West Texas Drilling Company in Post, Texas, where he worked in the crow’s nest atop of a drilling rig. When he moved to Longview, he owned and operated Darby’s Grocery. Later in life he was district manager of several convenience stores.
Preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Darby is survived by his wife of 35 years, Rachel D. Darby of Longview; step-brother, Dudley Miller of Commerce; daughter, Lauren Graham and husband, Andy, of Longview; son, Stephen D. Shelby and wife, Gretchen, of Dallas; two children from a previous marriage, Tim Darby and Pam Hearne of Dallas; and grandsons, Thomas Shelby of Fort Worth, Logan Graham and Cameron Graham, both of Longview.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Trinity Episcopal Church, 906 Padon St., Longview, Texas, 75601, or St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 909 Reel Road, Longview, Texas, 75604.
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