Darrell Lee Dirks

Darrel Lee Dirks, 92, passed on December 13, 2025, in Whitney, Texas. He was born on September 14, 1933, in Oklahoma to Abraham Tobias and Minnie (Smith) Dirks. He attended school in Liberal, Kansas. He was very active in sports and excelled in football and basketball. He loved to tell the story of being offered a full ride to college for his football skills.

Darrel moved to Hereford, Texas in the late 1950’s and became a farmer. He met the love of his life, Faye Conard Morgan and married her on March 26, 1960. He continued farming until 1968, when he started working for Cattle Town Feed yard while they were still building the feed mill. He was the mill manager and worked there until he retired in1993.

After retirement, they moved to Whitney, Texas so that he could be close to the lake and go fishing as often as possible. Darrel was a master wood worker. He was known for his intricate details in intarsia and scroll woodworking. He crafted beautiful German cuckoo clocks, furniture pieces, intarsia, decks, porches and landscapes for their home and for family members. Along with woodworking, Darrel was an avid gardener, fisherman, and loved crossword puzzles.

Most of all, Darrel loved family and delighted in family gatherings. He always demonstrated family commitment to all. He truly was the voice of reason in any situation. He loved one-on-one conversations and a good football game (or any sport that he could find if football wasn’t in season). His life was characterized by kindness, integrity, sharp wit and one liners.

Darrel is survived by his loving wife Faye after 65 years of marriage and five children: David Dirks and his wife Beverly of Corpus Christi, Lisa Dirks of Whitney, Terry Morgan and wife Francis of Southland, Donnie Morgan and his wife Nanette of China Spring and Kimberly Morgan of Meridian. Darrel is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter.

Darrel’s legacy will live on by all that knew him and he will be deeply missed. There will be a private memorial service at a later date.