Edward Marion Darragh

Edward Marion Darragh of Van, Texas died peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 5, 2025.

Ed was born in Edmond, Oklahoma on May 6th 1935 to Minnie Myrtle and William Thomas Darragh. He grew up near Henderson, Texas and graduated from Gaston High School in 1953 After serving four years in the Air Force he attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he received a BS in Education and a Master's degree in Administration. He married the love of his life, Glenda Beth Cooper on February 25th, 1960.

Ed loved being a classroom teacher during his time at Andy Woods Elementary in Tyler and then he and Glenda moved to Van where he served as the J. E. Rhodes Elementary Principal from 1966-1990. His other adventures include: salesman for Franklin Life Insurance, co-owner of a restaurant, and counselor for Consumer Credit Counseling Services. He also raised cattle on his property and produced a beautiful and bountiful vegetable garden every year. Ed was an avid reader and champion of public education. He also served as an Elder in the Van Church of Christ for many years, and relished opportunities to preach and teach. He and Glenda enjoyed teaching Sunday School together and were generous and frequent hosts of gatherings in their home.

Ed is survived in death by his wife Glenda, his son Joe Darragh and his wife Cindy of Kaufman, Texas, his daughter DeAnne Willis and her husband Chris of Seattle, Washington and his daughter Holli Darragh of Van Texas, along with nine grandchildren (Dani and Jonny Kurtz, Laney and Josh Malone, Darci and Scott Steiner, Dean Christy Anne and Colton Willis, Collier, Austen and Lucy Bryant) and one great-grandchild (Lorelei Malone).

Services will be held at the Van Church of Christ at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. A graveside will follow at Fairway Garden of Memories Cemetery, Van.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the Vandal Vault c/o Van ISD Education Foundation