Darrell Worth Middleton Jr.

Worth Middleton was born just after Christmas toward the end of World War II in the beautiful village (small at that time) of Venice, Florida. His dad was training soldiers for the war while his mother taught 3rd graders. The family moved to Orlando at the end of the war (long before Disney came to town), where Worth and his two younger brothers, John and Robert, enjoyed the sunny days, swam at the beaches close by and had family picnics near the clear springs just outside town. They ate oranges in the backyard, roamed the neighborhood with friends and fished with cane poles in the local lakes. In junior high school Worth moved to Winston-Salem, N.C. where his dad took a job with the Presbyterian Church downtown. His mom continued to teach and his brothers shared his interest in music and reading. He enjoyed his language classes, becoming an accomplished writer and learned to play the cornet, marching in the band at football games and playing in the school orchestra. College led him to St. Andrews in eastern North Carolina, where he continued to explore his interest in literature and history, earning a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Following college Worth found his first job working for the Civil Service, first at Robins Air Base in Georgia and then at Tinker in Oklahoma City. It was in Oklahoma he met the love of his life, Mary Lou. He joined her and her three kids, happily taking on the role of breadwinner and parent to Paul, Shawn and Robyn. Worth remained at Mary Lou's side until her death in 2011. He adored her and the loss was devastating for him. Worth continued to live in the family home and maintained ties with the children as they each married and had kids of their own. After retiring from the Civil Service, Worth continued to expand his interests in writing, photography, music and learning. He remained close to several co-workers from his years at Tinker. He filled his days with classes at OU, concerts, and good meals with friends. Worth is remembered for his quiet, unassuming ways. Always generous with those he loved, his presence will be missed.