Darrell Clyde Mize

Mr. Darrell Clyde Mize, 79 of Snyder, Texas passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2022 at Cogdell Memorial Hospital in Snyder, Texas.

Services for Mr. Mize will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 10:00 AM at East Side Church of Christ with Mr. Terry Bowden and Mr. Tim Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Memorial Gardens. Services are under the direction of Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home.

Darrell was born in 1943 in Loraine, Texas, the second of L.C. and Clyda (Britton) Mize's three children.  He described his childhood on his parent’s farm as almost idyllic, with equally balanced responsibilities and freedom.  Though he enjoyed helping with the raising of cattle and crops, Darrell ultimately found his calling in the clouds.

Darrell served as corporate pilot for E. D. Walton Construction for many years.  He loved having the opportunity to fly professionally.  In addition to job satisfaction, Darrell found a second family at Walton and many life-long friends in the aviation community.

Darrell earned his initial pilot certification in July of 1967 then went on to earn an additional thirteen pilot and mechanic certifications and ratings, five parachutist ratings, one parachute rigger rating and eight soaring achievement awards. He was honored by the FAA for excellence in aviation in 2020 with The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.

Darrell’s personal life was equally remarkable.  He was introduced to Linda Morgan, the love of his life and wife of 54 years, by his sister, Pearlene. The two married on June 22, 1968 in Colorado City, Texas and began building a family shortly thereafter with the additions of son, Russell “Rusty” and daughter, Kristi.

Darrell was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather.  He absolutely delighted in his family and often characterized the role of  “Poppie” to his two granddaughters, Anna and Alexa, as one of his greatest adventures.

Darrell was known for his patience, kindness, and generosity.  He was always willing to help anyone, anytime with anything.  Darrell pursued excellence, always, and found joy everywhere around him.  He was loved by many and will be missed terribly.

He is survived by :

Wife: Linda Mize, Snyder, TX

Daughter: Kristi Hanley, Snyder, TX

Son: Russell "Rusty" Mize, Snyder, TX

Sister: Pearlene Nolan and husband Dale, Snyder, TX

Sister-in-Law: Janie McVean and husband James, Bulverde, TX

Grandchildren: Anna Hanley & Alexa Hanley, Snyder, TX

Longtime friend: Jeff Stewart

Numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by:

Parents: L.C. and Clyda Mize

Sister: Elsie Shaw and husband Curtis

Niece: Lana (Shaw) Culpepper and husband Bob

Niece: Debbie Shaw

Nephew: Todd Shaw