Darrell Robert Bye

Darrell Robert Bye passed into eternity on October 22, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease at Nedges Nest Memory Care with his loving wife by his side. Born on December 10, 1948, in Spokane, Washington, Darrell was the second child of Iver and Ruth Bye. The family relocated to Clovis, California in 1965, where Darrell graduated from Fresno’s Hoover High School in June of 1967.

As a young boy, Darrell developed a love for Jesus, music, and baseball. His father set a Godly example as a man of prayer and Bible study. His mother instilled her love of music and education in her children. Darrell took piano lessons, trombone lessons, and sang duets with his older brother. His father was very proud of his two boys and shared his next greatest passion with them, baseball. Darrell shared a life-long love of the Los Angeles Dodgers with his father, brother, and eventually his three little sisters. He loved attending Dodger Games in person whenever possible. The brothers began to play on teams at the age of six, their father being the coach for much of their young lives. Darrell became a standout player at the plate and as a first-rate catcher. This earned him a full ride scholarship to Biola University where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Biola University in 1973.

Darrell began working in the new cable TV industry directly out of college. Starting as an installer, he quickly made his way up to sales, marketing and senior management. He served on the Board of Directors of the California Cable Television Association, lobbied for the Cable industry at both state and federal level and organized, incorporated and worked for Communication companies in California, Texas and the Northwest.

During this time, Darrell became the proud father of his three children, Jennifer, Alison, and Daniel during his first marriage. The family lived in Visalia, California, then moved north to Loomis, California for several years. There, he started his first corporation, DRB Communications. After building the business in California, he relocated to Plano, Texas in 1996, where he expanded his company, but also began a journey that would change the direction of his life completely.

Darrell began attending a local Celebrate Recovery Group and found true healing, recovery, and freedom by putting Jesus first in his journey. His relationship with Jesus deepened to a new place where he felt called to ministry. Darrell had a passion to see others experience the same peace and freedom he had found in Jesus and recovery. He was ordained at Willow Bend Community Church in 2008, and served as an associate until March,2024 when he officially retired.

Darrell impacted the lives of thousands as a local Ministry Leader for Celebrate Recovery and representing this ministry as the Texas State Representative. He was instrumental in developing Celebrate Recovery in the Dallas, Texas Salvation Army and the Union Gospel Mission in Dallas, as well as several prisons in the state of Texas. He had a passion to spread the Word of Christ and minister freedom and healing to those with addictions. Darrell started Recovery International and increased the reach to areas outside Texas and the United States. He will surely be missed by many whose lives are better for his advocacy in recovery.

Darrell met his loving wife Desiree, in 2004, and they knew their hearts were one in the quest to serve Christ. Darrell also enlarged his family to include stepdaughter, Desiree, and stepsons Jeremy and Kenneth whom he has loved and appreciated for the last 21 years.

Darrell’s first love was Jesus, his second love was Desiree, and the LA Dodgers took the third place in his heart. He will be missed by his family and many friends with whom he has left his mark and legacy over the years.

Our hearts hurt for our loss but rejoice in his legacy and example. There will never be another like him. You are loved and missed, Darrell Robert Bye.

Darrell is survived by his beloved wife, Desiree, his children Jennifer Bye Garza, and Celia (Ali) Vega, son in law David Garza, his stepchildren Desiree Brillhart, Jeremy Brillhart, and Kenneth Perry, and daughter in law Karissa Bye, sisters Wendy McCormick, Kerri Lombardi, and Kathi Henderson, and brothers in law Dan Lombardi and Tim Henderson. granddaughter Harper Bye and grandson Riley Lane Perry. Darrell was also uncle to Bethany, Austin, Genise, April, Shannon, and Kristin, along with many great nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Darrell was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Nikka Bye, Carl and Bernice Lawson, parents Iver and Ruth Bye, his brother Bruce Iver Bye, sister Brenda Bye, son Daniel Bye, and grandson Emory Bye.

Darrell will be greatly missed, but we know where he is and we will see him again.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Willow Bend Church 5701 W. Park Blvd, Plano, Texas

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Willow Bench Church and select Celebrate Recovery. https://wbcplano.breezechms.com/give/online.