Dr. Bob Darrell

In 1968, I entered McMurry College in Abilene as a typical naive, wide-eyed west Texas country boy. Then I got Bob Darrell (everybody called him "Bob Darrell," never "Dr. Darrell") for Freshman English. It was like turning on the light in a dark room. He opened my mind to the real world, to literature and critical thinking, taught me to see and think, and basically just changed me into a different person. Thanks to Bob Darrell, I acquired English and writing skills to a level I never knew existed, and even today, 50 years later, I'm known as a "wordsmith," and even sometimes make a little extra money on the side doing professional proofreading and editing. All because of Bob Darrell. As the years go by, we forget most of the classes and teachers we had many decades ago, but there are always one or two that stay with us, because of the impact they had on our lives and what we learned from them. Bob Darrell was one of those. Thank you, Bob Darrell, for a job well done.

Fond memories and a fond farewell. I knew Bob from KWC, as a community leader, Leadership Owensboro and a supporter of Owensboro Sister Cities. One of Owensboro's Senior Statesmen. Bart, my condolences to you and the family.
Bill West, Chiang Mai, Thailand

I was sorry to hear about Bob's passing away. He was a wonderful man and teacher. He always helped me when I was in his class. I know he will be missed by everybody that knew him. I'll be praying for the family and his friends.

Please know that I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget my first encounter with Bob....I was entering KWC with 30+ hours already earned and wanted to double major, with English as my second major. I was told I would need Bob's approval to do this. I made an appointment and went to see him. After introductions he asked why I wanted English as my second major. I explained I had researched the Fortune 500's top 100 business people and overwhelmingly English was their second if not first major. He felt it unusual for someone to seek out that information, I don't think he realized then I was several years older than a normal sophomore. He then asked what my major was? Little did I know I was going to unleash his ire. You see my major was Mass Communications. Bob immediately and quite cryptically told me Communications majors weren't smart enough to be English majors. I didn't miss a beat...I told him he had never met me! His surprise was evident on his face....then he burst out laughing. I was approved to have English as my second major. Thus started our 30+ year friendship. His friendship, guidance and knowledge were invaluable to me. I last saw him at the Chamber breakfast when his son Bracken spoke...it was like we had talked the day before. During our conversations he often spoke of you, his children, and his pride of each of you shone in his eyes and his voice. He was a force in my life that I will always remember.

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. We'll be praying for your comfort and peace.

I met Bob on a campus visit my senior year of high school. He took time out of his day to meet with me, show me around and talk about the English Department. He was a main reason I decided to enroll at KWC. When I arrived on campus, he remembered me and took me under his wing for the four great years I spent there. He was not only an excellent professor, but also he was my mentor and my friend. I credit him with bringing out the writer I became through the Writing Workshop and the other classes I took for my major. I had the pleasure of working in the department and eventually co-teaching the Writing Workshop with Dr. John Combs. When I graduated form KWC, I was hired as a middle school English teacher where I spent 38 wonderful years teaching writing to 7th and 8th graders. I employed many of the techniques I learned at KWC with my own students. Bob remained a friend and I stayed in contact with him from time to time over the years. I will never forget him or the important lessons he taught me. I am a better writer, a better teacher and a better person from having known and worked with Bob. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

The family has my deepest sympathy. God bless you and keep you all.

Dr. Darrell holds a special place in my heart. He was my freshman writing instructor at KWC. For years I have been praised and complimented on my writing abilities. Throughout my undergraduate experiences at both KWC and UofL, professors often kept my papers as examples for other students of exemplary work. I credit this to two people: My great great Aunt Agnes Sumner who taught me to read when I was barely four years old. She laid the foundation of my love for language, reading, and writing. Later, Dr. Darell built on that foundation and helped me develop into a solid writer who understands her audience and whi can write succinctly, persuasively, matter-of-factly, or in a way designed to elicit specific emotions, depending on the circumstance. I am forever indebted to Bob Darrell because I firmly believe one's ability to communicate effectively is key to success in business and life.

As a work-study student, I worked in the PLUS center founded by Dr. Darrell. I scheduled tutors for tutoring sessions. I tutored others in writing and got tutored in math. Hey! No shame.

Dr. Darrel taught me in 1996. I never saw him again until 2011 when I assumed the position of Registrar at KWC. He instantly recognized me and remembered my name. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. Friends, that is indicative not only of the benefit of small class sizes at smaller colleges, but also of Dr. Darrell's development of relationships with his students.

Rest peacefully, Dr. Darrell. Enjoy the endless library of heaven, and know you made a difference in the lives of so many.

Dr. Darrelldeeply impacted my life. He took the time with me as a struggling sophomore at KWC (in '95-'96) to see more deeply and widely the power of words and art in general and through such empowered me to begin to make powerful connections with Christian ministry, a calling I was and continued to pursue. Only later did I realize Dr. Darrell's own credentialing as UMC clergy. I'm so thankful his ministry expanded quickly into education and his journey made its way to KWC. I know my story is certainly 1 of thousands upon which his character, wisdom, and subtle spiritually made a lasting mark. Thank you for being an incredible stanza in the poem of my life. Sail on, in and through God's grace.

Dr. Darrell was my Writing Work Shop teacher. I loved his class. His class helped me become a better writer. He really cared about his students and he wanted to see them succeed. Thanks for everything Dr. Darrell!

Janet Farrell
KWC 2002

Bart, I am so sorry to learn of your father's passing. My deepest sympathy for you and your family. Prayers for peace & comfort.

I have great memories of working with Bob on the Citizen's Committee on Higher Education during our committee's groundwork of bringing a community college to Owensboro. He was also great cheerleader for Owensboro on many other projects and will be missed. My condolences to his family in his passing.

Bob was very helpful and kind to me when I started working at KWC. I served on a committee with him, and I ate all the jelly beans he had in a candy dish in his office during one of the meetings. Later in the year, he left a huge jug of gourmet jelly beans outside my office door with an encouraging note. Yesterday I bought a bag of jelly beans and ate some in his honor. My sympathy to the family.

I began my first year of college the same year Dr. Darrell started at KWC in 1969. I enjoyed my classes with him and he instilled in me a love of reading, thinking, and writing that has never left me. I remember fondly the Chaucer course he taught one hot summer. We all gathered in his air-conditioned office on the floor to read Chaucer aloud and discuss together our thoughts on the readings. Seriousness and laughter were abundant. He was one of my favorite instructors and I was so very lucky to have had him for a teacher and to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. May they find peace in knowing how much he was admired and how much he impacted our then young lives to this day.

I loved my Shakespeare class with Bob. Perry Combs KWC Class of 75

My prayers for Dr. Darrell's family and friends,
He was a force! I loved my classes with him at Kentucky Wesleyan College and just talking with him in general. Never a dull moment.

I met BOB at MORELAND PARK we talked many times he enjoyed watching the kids play ball and we enjoyed him being there I knew he was very special we sure will miss you Dr BOB RIP Prayers form the family

Dr Darrell showed me compassion, and gave me confidence, as a terrified freshman in 1987. He taught me to have courage to try new things, and to believe in myself and my abilities. He gave me the support to fail, and learn from my failures, and succeed in spite of my obstacles. I try to instill the same sense of "can do", the same sense of learning from experiences with my students and athletes. A great man indeed, a mentor, and friend. Dr Darrell will live eternal as we all carry our experiences with him in our hearts.

My first class at KWC was Writing Workshop. It started at 8am Monday, and as a first generation college student, I was scared to death. Little did I know how big an impact Dr. Darrell would make on my life from that point forward. Though I didn't major in English, Dr. Darrell mentored me all the way through college AND well beyond into my career. After I graduated, we remained friends and colleagues through his service with different organizations. I've now returned to KWC and do my best to follow his example in incorporating the valuable lessons he taught me when I was his student.

I was so fortunate to have had Dr. Darrell as a professor, mentor and cheerleader. He was so encouraging and supportive and in no small part helped me become the creative writer, news producer and critical thinker I am today. I am so proud to be a small part of his amazing legacy. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, former students and colleagues.

He was one of my most favorite teachers. How lucky was I to start off my four years at KWC the same year as he did. I really enjoyed the varied teaching styles he brought to his courses. A fun note: I am not positive but I think that he drove a Carmen Guia in those days.

I owe Bob Darrell so much! The writing workshop which he taught helped me to develop writing skills and preaching skills. His class on Shakespeare made a lasting memory for me and introduced me to some of the greatest literature in the English language. I wish his family well, and offer my deepest thanks.

Deepest sympathies and prayers to the Darrell family during this time of loss.

Bart; I was so deeply sorry to learn about your father. It is obvious from the obit he impacted many lives. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. Terri Wills Fryman

My deepest sympathy to Bob's family. In his good years, Bob was a force for progressive change in Owensboro. We will always be grateful for his vision and leadership.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Clay Sandidge and family, Mission Viejo, CA

For Bracken and Shelley, I am sorry for your loss.

Bart and Family...I always enjoyed your dad. Between the City Commission and growing succulents, he taught me a lot. He will be missed.
With love
Cathy

So sorry to learn of your loss Shelley - We are never ready to let them go no matter how old we get...BE blessed and hug those kids tightly!