Darrell Dean Smithers was born on March 8, 1941, in Ardmore, OK to the late Mr. John Dugan Smithers and Mrs. Mollie Belle (Alexander) Smithers. He departed from this life on Friday, November 1, 2019, in Ardmore.

Darrell was raised in the Ardmore area, attending Washington Elementary School and graduating from Ardmore High School in 1959. He furthered his education at Murray State College, where he earned an associate’s degree in education in 1962, and later attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964 and a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1968.

Darrell served in the Oklahoma National Guard as a platoon sergeant, and was honorably discharged in 1965.

Earlier in his career he worked at various public schools as a principal, teacher, counselor and coach. He really enjoyed working for Wilson Public Schools. He also worked in several clinical counseling and testing careers, before owning and operating two businesses, Smither’s Action Bail Bonds and Clinical Counseling and Testing.

Darrell was also very active in politics. He worked on several political campaigns, including those of gubernatorial candidate David Boren and the late Rep. Don Duke.

He enjoyed reading, dancing, writing, poetry and spectator sports, especially baseball, and he was the published author of the self-help book, “The Powers That Be.”

Preceding him in death are his parents and a brother, John Dugan Smithers Jr.

Darrell is survived by his son, Casey Smithers and wife Kathy of Ardmore; a daughter, Dee Dee Hunter of Lone Grove; his sister, Judy Ferrell and her husband Odell, who Darrell loved like a brother, of Butler; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and three nieces.

A gathering for friends and family is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2019, at Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson from 6-8 p.m.

Online condolences may be made to alexanderfuneralhome.org .