Darrell Eden Walters

"It must be incredible that your mere presence is a present. " D.T.L.

Darrell Eden Walters was born on October 3, 1967 to Mary and Martin Walters. He entered this world as Number Seven of Eight Children. Mary always said she did not care whether or not she had boys or girls, but after five girls and David Edward Walters, she wanted a boy so David would not be the only boy! Mary had no idea that Daniel Earl Walters would be Number Eight and the three boys would rule the Walters' World!

The song "Three Wooden Crosses" sums up Darrell's Legacy..." It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go."

Darrell was predeceased by his parents. He leaves his seven siblings who truly mourn his passing. Darrell was what every brother should be and he was loved and adored by Debra and Chris Mapp, Diane and Clifford Hopkins, Denise and Mark Miertschin, Dawn Woolsey, Donna LeLeux and Harold Powell, David and Mayra Walters and last, but not least Daniel Walters and Christy Patrick.

While most obituaries would list "and numerous nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews," that would be an injustice to the relationship and love he had for all of them, he was what every uncle should be, so we decided to list them all.....Mapp: Travis and children, Emily and Addison, Crystal and Bryan and son, Christopher, Tim and Jeannie and children, Bradley and Brenlynn, Martin and Xandra; Hopkins: David and children, Addy and Chance,

Michael, Candace, Samuel; Miertschin; Joshua and Katherine and children Presley and Carter, Amber and children Harlie and Hayden, Melissa and Bobby and children Leanna, Parker and Lawrence, Jerry and Elizabeth; Martin: Colton and Samantha and children, Hailey and Asher; LeLeux: Zachariah and Hannah and children, Efton and Elaine, Elijah Jake and Alexa; Walters, David: Joel and Hannah; Walters, Danny: Corey, Cassie and Austyn and son Crue, Kaitlyn and Drew.

Anyone who had the privilege and honor of knowing Darrell, understood that family, friends, education and volunteering were the most important things in his life. After receiving a B.F.A. and M.F.A. in Photography and Media from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), which included attending an Independent Study Abroad Program for Studio Arts, Photography, Riijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam, Darrell spent from 1995 to 2021 teaching and as the Director of the Photography and Media Facilities at CalArts. Darrell also taught from 1995-2021 part-time at the College of the Canyons (COC), Program in Photography, Applied and Fine Arts Department, Santa Clarita, California.

Upon his early retirement, Darrell was honored by receiving the title, Faculty Emeritus Program in Photography and Media, School of Art, CalArts.

In addition to his love for teaching, Darrell complimented his thirst for and sharing of knowledge through volunteering. Darrell found his true calling as a Docent for the Antelope Valley Indian California State Historic Park Museum (AVIM), Lancaster, California. He had over 1,750 hours of volunteering from 2010-2021 and served as Secretary, Board of Directors, FAVIM.

Darrell also received Creative Leave, Spring 2003, 2010, 2018, CalArts Faculty Development Grant, 2000, CalArts California State Parks Poppy Award, AVIM, 2016.

Darrell left his beloved desert in California, returning home in 2021 to be closer to his siblings. Darrell immediately began volunteering as a Docent at the Bryan Museum in Galveston, Texas.

To attempt to describe Darrell as a sibling, uncle or friend would truly do a disservice to him and one could not find adequate words which would do Darrell justice. He was the "family genius," and the laughter in the Walters' world.

To get an accurate description of Darrell as a friend, we would recommend asking Landon, Amy, Marie, Bayley, Katherine, Peggy, Shari, Andy; the 3124R.5 Galveston Porch Sitting Association; the "Hippy Commune" as he referred to Donna and Dawn's neighborhood group, including Sharon; Marilyn, Susan; and the endless list of friends that belong to him.

The one remark that does justice to Darrell is... 'We have never met anyone who didn't like our brother."

The Walters family would recommend that everyone be a Darrell....then the world would be a wonderful place.

Memorial Service

For

Darrell Eden Walters

July 20, 2024

3:00 p.m.

Friendswood Baptist Church

315 W. Shadowbend Ave.

Friendswood, Texas 77546