The Erath County community is mourning the loss and celebrating the legacy of Darrell Brown, a man of many talents and roles whose helping hand and friendly smile could regularly be found in community events.
“Darrell Brown was a servant in so many ways in this community,” said Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee. “He g was a man of faith, a man that many looked to for guidance. I don’t know if I ever saw Darrell without a big smile on his face and he was just one of those people that made you happier when you’re around him. He is going to be greatly missed by so many in our community.”
A Stamford native, Brown first came to Erath in 1983 to attend Tarleton, forming a relationship that lasted for decades as he earned his degrees, worked as a Tarleton police officer for several years and later worked in many roles for the university including Executive Director for Student Affairs Community Outreach, Fraternity/ Sorority Life and Student Government.
“His laughter was contagious and would fill a room, drawing people to his warm heart,” said Tarleton Alumni Association president Ed Gonzalez. “Our homecoming events will never be the same knowing his deep, rich and famous voice will no longer fill the air!”
Brown was currently the Director of Administrative Services for the city of Stephenville who had also served on the City Council and the Board of Adjustments. His commitment to public service spanned decades and reflected his deep care for this community. “Darrell was a dedicated public servant who gave so much of himself to this community… We extend our deepest condolences to Darrell’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” said the city of Stephenville in a social media post. “He will be greatly missed. His contributions to the City of Stephenville will not be forgotten.”
Brown may also be remembered from his time with the Rotary Club, his service on the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council board of directors and Erath County United Way and his 20+ years as a Stephenville Chamber of Commerce ambassador and previous service as a director.
Stephenville Chamber Executive Director July Danley remembered meeting him serving burgers to hundreds at a community event and quickly volunteering outdoors at the Holly Jolly Christmas event despite not liking the cold.
“Along with so many others, I enjoyed his big smile and positive attitude as he volunteered at countless ribbon cuttings, mixers and community events over the years,” Danley said on social media. “He was always coming up with new ideas on projects to impact the community and strategic ways to bring people together. He was the definition of a servant leader.”
Danley also shared her fondness for how earnestly he loved the Lord and shared his faith with others, often through his ‘booming’ singing voice that many said they will miss.
It was this voice that could be heard at Calvary Baptist Church as he served at Calvary Baptist Church music director and occasionally providing comfort at funerals.
Before working at Tarleton and the city of Stephenville, Brown served as Executive Director at Star Council on Substance Abuse and worked at Town & Country Bank, where he served as Senior Vice President.
Brown was also a loving husband to Angie, his wife of more than 30 years and a devoted father to their children, Preston and Sydney.
Brown greeted life and neighbors with a big smile and open arms. That earnestness and integrity is cherished by those who knew him.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Services are 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at First Baptist Church in Stephenville.