Darrell Ira Burdess, age 86 years 9 months and 19 days, passed from this life to his heavenly home on April 15, 2025 at the home of his son, Travis and wife, Vanessa, in “Y” City, Arkansas. He was born June 3, 1938 in Wellsville, Ohio to Gerald and Edith Burdess.
Darrell served 4 years in the United States Air Force from 1961 to January, 1965. During that time he met his wife, Coneta (Cokie) Ann Butler, from Louisville, Kentucky and they were married the following May, 1966 in Louisville. They met through her brother, Charles and his wife, Verna, who were stationed with him at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. He served as an airplane mechanic during that time.
Darrell grew up on a farm where he and his Dad raised beef cattle, grew wheat, corn, buckwheat and oats. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, searching for Indian artifacts, visiting museums, playing music and singing, gardening and reading.
He was a man who wore many hats….farmer, aircraft mechanic, machinist, gunsmith, mail carrier, wood worker and maintenance man at the Scott County Courthouse.
His love for music over the years ultimately led to his salvation and a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. His new life in Christ began in August of 2005 at Cypress Creek Bluegrass Park in Adona, Arkansas. He was baptized in May of 2006.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cokie, his two sons, Danny, his wife Charity and Travis, his wife Vanessa. Six grandchildren: Ben, Calvin and Griffin Burdess, Cheyenne Reeves (Ryan), Chenoa Watson (Kyler) and Cierra Burdess; Three great grandchildren: Josiah and Polly Eloise Watson and Samuel Reeves. He is also survived by his “bonus son and daughter” who shared his home and heart, Darrell Brashear and Mary Singleton-Contreras.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Edith Burdess.
He was a wonderful son, husband, father and friend.
Darrell’s celebration of life will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2025 at the Solid Rock Church in Y-City, Arkansas with Johnie Brewster and Rev. Mike Shaddon officiating. Interment will follow in the Buffalo Cemetery in Boles, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Darrell’s pallbearers will be Calvin Burdess, Griffin Burdess, Shawn Eaves, Kyler Watson, Ryan Reeves, Dane Millard, Jonathan Woodard and JJ Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Darrell Brashear, Alex Contreras, Diego Contreras, Jeff Brown and Gary Shaddon.
Darrell’s visitation will be Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron.
