Darryl Stanley

Memorial services for Darryl Stanley, 76, of Huntington, will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Kelty's United Methodist Church in Lufkin with Reverend Cindy Doran officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Kelty's United Methodist Church.

Mr. Stanley was born on September 27, 1949, in Harris County, Texas, to the late Douglas Barry Stanley and the late Edith Cascile (Chandler) Stanley, and died Monday, February 2, 2026, in Houston.

Darryl was the strongest man you would ever meet. From a young age, he beat the odds, surviving polio, and he carried that strength and perseverance throughout his life. Nothing ever held him back. He lived life to the fullest, enjoying baseball, roping, hunting, fishing, and anything that kept him outdoors. A true cowboy at heart, he found joy in the simple beauty of nature and the freedom of wide-open spaces.

He shared 55 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Linda, whom he met while cowboying on a trail ride for his family ranch. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and deep family roots.

Darryl worked as a wildlife biologist for Temple for 28 years, a career that perfectly matched his love for the outdoors. He also adored music and used his gift of song to praise the Lord through his guitar and voice. His faith was strong, and he lived with a heart devoted to God and his family.

He was immensely proud of his daughters, Kacy and April, and all they accomplished, but his greatest joy was being "PawPaw." His grandchildren-Christian, Kate, and Dallas-were truly his heart and soul. No matter what they needed, he was always there, just as he had been for his own daughters. He treasured time spent with them, especially sharing stories and reminiscing about his years at Boggy Slough and Scrappin Valley.

Darryl fought a brave and courageous battle, and though it was not always easy, he never stopped fighting until the very end.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Stanley of Huntington; daughter and son-in-law, April and Jason Sebesta of Lufkin; granddaughter, Kate Caroline Sebesta of Lufkin; grandson, Christian Arnold of Huntington; grandson, Dallas Arnold of Diboll; brother, Barry Douglas Stanley of Arkansas; brother, Kenneth Stanley of Huntington; niece and husband, Shelly and Eric Duncan of Lingle, Wyoming; numerous nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends, Ronald and Cara Hughes and daughter, Heather.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kacy Arnold; sister-in-law, Yvonne Stanley; and niece, Jessica Hughes.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Sebesta, Christian Arnold, Dallas Arnold, Ronald Hughes, Robert Sanders, Richard Capps, Joe Hamrick, Don Dietz and Jay Long.

Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors