Wallace G. Darden, 81, of El Dorado passed away Monday, September 16, 2019 at the Magnolia Regional Medical Center. Born May 20, 1938 in Cairo, Arkansas, he was the son of Wallace G. Darden, Sr. and Winnie D. Hulsey Darden. Wallace was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a degree in petroleum engineering. His entire working career was in the oil and gas industry with employment at Halliburton, Delta Drilling and he retired from Petroleum Development in Bridgeport, West Virginia. Retirement brought him back to his family’s land in El Dorado where he enjoyed spending time with family, golfing and working in his shop. All of these things brought him so much pleasure. He had served his country in the U. S. Army and was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Preceding him in death along with his parents was a sister, Glenda Fite and his first wife, Brenda Corley Darden. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Cheryl S. Darden of El Dorado, two sons, Randy Darden (Anne) of Arlington, Texas and Dr. Daryle L. Darden (Dr. Nimali Fernando) of Spotsylvania, Virginia. Surviving grandchildren are Garrett R. Darden, Zane A. Darden, and Asa M. Darden, along with his devoted caregiver, Mary Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2019 at Young’s Chapel with Rev. Lawrence Harrison officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment with military honors will follow in Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Langley, Chris Lee, Paul Strickland, Jody Fite, Mauricio Castillo, and Victor Watson. Memorials may be made to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030. An online registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
