Darrel Kent Franklin, 86 years old, of Pampa, Texas, left this life on Sunday, December 7, 2025, while his loving wife, Ann, sat by his side. He’s no longer in pain or suffering from cancer and diabetes, but rather, dancing in glory on streets of gold!
Darrel was born on November 28, 1939, in Pampa, Texas to William and Mae Franklin. He attended school in Pampa until third grade, then the family moved to Cargray and he began his studies at White Deer where he eventually graduated in 1958. Following his graduation, Darrel began working for Culberson-Stowers as a mechanic then in 1961, he enlisted into the United States Air Force where he drove Euclid’s maneuvering jets that housed bombs while stationed on Travis Air Force Base in California during the Cuban Crisis. He received his honorable discharge in 1965 and upon his return to Pampa, began working at various oilfield plants before hiring on at National Oilwell Varco in 1978 as a mechanic until his retirement in 2003 after 28 years of dedicated employment.
Shortly after returning home from serving our country, he became reacquainted with Ann Bybee, whom he had previously met on a blind date, and were married later that year. They had been married almost 61 years at the time of his passing.
Darrel loved traveling to his late parents’ cabin in Colorado where he was able to enjoy not only the surrounding countryside but also hiking and fishing. About the only time his hands were idle, was when he was fishing, otherwise, he kept fairly busy in the kitchen. He loved baking and sweets so what better way to indulge? He was the “Candyman”! Darrel was an avid candy maker known for his peanut brittle and red-hot cinnamon, but he also knew how to bake. He made mounds of cookies, loaves of banana bread, homemade cheesecake and Italian Cream cakes to name a few; however, he rarely kept any for himself as he made them all with love for gifts to others.
He appreciated old vintage things and especially liked to collect metal toys, he loved the sheer beauty and power of the American Eagle and had a massive collection and although he thoroughly enjoyed trains, he didn’t collect them, but loved them, nonetheless. Darrel was a pretty simple man who loved his bib overalls and enjoyed staying home when given the opportunity. Known for his friendly nature, he never met a stranger; his way of showing affection was playfully teasing others and giving them a hard time. His banter and kind generosity will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Darrel was reunited in Heaven with his parents, William and Mae as well as his two brothers, David and Larry Franklin.
His memory will be cherished and remembered by his wife, Ann Franklin of Pampa; a daughter, Carey Frazier and husband Chris of Gunter, TX; a brother, Jerry Franklin and wife Robyne of Pampa; a sister, Sue Young and husband Allen of Lubbock; three grandchildren, Jennifer Conner and husband Christopher of Dayton, TX, Robert Frazier of Gunter, TX, Paula Oyer and husband Matt of Celina, TX; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Timothy Chris Oyer as well as a host of extended family and friends who will all miss him.
The family will be available to receive guests Thursday, December 11 th from 6pm until 8pm in the Serenity Chapel of Winegeart Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 am, Friday, December 12, 2025, in the Winegeart Funeral Home Serenity Chapel with Brother Paul Nachtigall and Brother Jim Sinyard officiating and military honors presented by the Altus Air Force Base Honors Team. Inurnment will immediately follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family has entrusted the cremation care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
For those wishing to make a donation in honor of Darrel, the family suggests memorials be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 26 Broadway, 14 th Floor, New York, NY 10004.
To express words of comfort or share a memory of Darrel with the family in his Book of Memories, please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com.
