Darrell Eugene Gilliland was born December 9, 1931, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to parents Ted Eugene Gilliland and Fern Agnes McCarty Gilliland. He had one sister, Lois Groves, who lived in Monument, Oregon before her death on August 22, 2013.
In 1943 he moved from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Hood River, Oregon. He graduated from Hood River High School in 1950. Darrell was active in Student Government and sports.
On January 4th, 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (Korean War). Darrell was stationed at Eglin AFB, Fort Walton Beach, FL, for three years, advancing to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was then transferred to Leon, France, in 1953. During the 11 months of the assignment in France, he also had temporary duty in Germany, French Morocco, and Spain. He had three months of assignment to the Joint United States Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) and attached to the American Embassy in Madrid, Spain. He was discharged on November 4, 1954 after proudly serving his country.
Darrell married Grace Louella Kelly in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on December 10, 1954. Together they had two children, Bert Lee Gilliland and Brenda Lynn Gilliland Hardcastle. This resulted in three grandchildren, Kelly Gilliland Crotser, Katelyn Hardcastle Riggs, and Lydia Hardcastle Flores. He currently has three great-grandchildren, Skylar and Braelynn Crotser, Benjamin Flores and a great-granddaughter on the way, Gabriella Grace Flores.
After Darrell graduated with a Baccalaureate degree in Psychology at the University of Tulsa in 1959, he went on to receive a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Tulsa in 1962. He also did other postgraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma.
After completing his college studies, he worked as a School Psychologist for the Tulsa Public Schools. He later accepted a position at Central State College (University of Central Oklahoma) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he was employed for 30 years. He taught courses in Psychology, was director of Counseling and Testing Services, later Director of Admissions and Enrollment, and held the position of Registrar at the time of his retirement.
Darrell was past president of the Oklahoma Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers, Oklahoma Association of College Testing Personnel, and other school and community organizations.
Together with his wife Grace, he built their residence in Edmond, OK, and, after retirement, one in Gainesville, TX. Besides building, he enjoyed computers and outdoor activities. He had earned his pilot license and enjoyed flying his own plane.
After retirement in 1992, he and Grace bought a motor home and enjoyed travel. They joined Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), and later served three years as National Vice President of South Central Area. They were very active in two motor home clubs, Red River Rovers, which they assisted in forming, and Happy OK Wanderers. During this time, they began attending area rallies and national conventions. They made many lifelong friends while traveling.
Darrell loved his family and friends and enjoyed hosting gatherings. He was an excellent listener, mentor, and advisor. Darrell could do almost anything, and if he didn’t know how, he would read about it and tackle the project. He was extremely intelligent, gentle and kind. He made an incredible impact on the lives of many.
Darrell is survived by son Bert Gilliland and wife Donna of Gainesville, Texas, daughter Brenda Hardcastle and husband Glen of Gainesville, Texas, granddaughter Kelly Crotser and husband Josh of Colorado Springs, Colorado, granddaughter Katelyn Riggs and husband Stormy of Whitesboro, Texas, granddaughter Lydia Flores and husband Ted of Fulshear, Texas, great-granddaughters Skylar Crotser and Braelynn Crotser, great-grandson Benjamin Flores, and many nieces and nephews. Diana Frank, companion and partner 2017 to present, was invaluable to him these last several months.
He was preceded in death by Grace Gilliland (Wife), Ted Gilliland (Father), Fern Gilliland (Mother), and Lois Joann Groves (Sister).
Private family service with Interment will be at Dallas/Ft Worth National Cemetery on Thursday, October 3, 2024. There will be a Memorial Service also on October 3, 2024 at Meador Funeral Home, 1204 E. California Street, Gainesville, Texas at 2:00 pm, all welcome.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/6Q26KDTJH2SPBS96
Darrell was a true gentle man and stood out among others in his company.
I knew him from many years of RVing and meeting in Thackerville, OK.
I will miss seeing his smiling face around Gainesville.
Rest in peace, Darrell.
Brenda, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a kind gentleman. I loved waiting on him and your sweet mother. They always had a smile on their face.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your entire family. 🙏💙🙏
My name is Linda Lee. I am Darrell’s first cousin. My mother and his dad are brother and sister. My mother was Cora Caldwell. My dad was Jess Caldwell. I enjoyed staying in touch over the years with Darrell.! I live in Gresham Oregon.
Bessie Gilliland and Will Gilliland are the grandparents we shared!
Darrell and Grace were dear friends we met through FMCA. We traveled a lot of miles together and remained friends after serving as FMCA national officers. Darrell was such kind and giving man. He was interesting to chat with and a great host. I will miss our infrequent telephone visits. Rest in peace dear friend. Pat Ruese
I met Darrell and Grace through FMCA. Such sweet people. We miss working with Darrell at the FMCA national office. Darrell was a very wise and kind man.