Darrell Wayne Owens

of Dolph, Arkansas

Darrell Wayne Owens, 91, of Dolph, Arkansas passed away peacefully at his home on March 6, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born July 2, 1934 in Newburg, Arkansas to Ray Maxwell and Selena Ola (Ozzie) Yancey Owens.  Darrell was the fifth of nine children.  Darrell served in the United States Army in 1956- 1958. He moved to Brockwell, Arkansas in 1968.

Darrell co-founded, owned and operated a feed mill in Oxford.   Darrell worked logging with his brother, Jimmy Owens.  Then he opened Darrell Owens Trucking in 1988, retiring in 2005.

Darrell loved sports, whether he was watching them or coaching them.  His favorites were basketball, softball, baseball and football.  He loved watching the Razorbacks. He served on the Oxford School Board before Izard County Consolidated School was formed.

He was blessed with four children:  Cheryl Bryant, Laurie Mattingly, Robin Morris and Dan Owens.  He met Gunita Sanders and they were together for thirty years.  Gunita joined him in his passion for sports. They made their home in Dolph, Arkansas.  They raised cattle, border collies and took in rescues or ICARE.  They enjoyed dancing and traveling, even in retirement they enjoyed taking rides along the back roads.

Darrell was very generous and always helped friends, neighbors and even strangers. He was of the Methodist faith and loved the Lord.  He enjoyed farming and growing vegetables.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ozzie; all of his siblings, Dail Owens, Melba Hellums, Velma McVey, Katherine Hellums, Mary Bray, Charles Owens, Barbara Ann Owens, Jimmie Owens and on great great - grandson:  Keith Allen Morris.

Darrell leaves to mourn his passing:  his wife:  Gunita Owens; children:  Cheryl Bryant, Laurie (Randy) Mattingly, Robin (Ronnie) Morris, Dan (Zoe) Owens, Tommy (Donna) Sanders and Darla (Tom) Fragoules; 14 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and many good friends.

Thank you, Pastor Marty Sanders.  And thanks to all of Darrell's care-givers, people who provided food and the muscle that made it possible for Gunita to keep him home for his final days.

Visitation and funeral service will be Monday, March 9 at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m.   Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Marty Sanders officiating.  Burial will follow at Owens Cemetery in Brockwell.

Pallbearers:  Larry McVey, David Sherell, Cody Collns, Don Grills, Heath Sanders, Bill Martin.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Eddie Thornley, Stevie Hellums, Rick Hellums, Andy Sanders.