Darell Lee Blizzard

Darell Lee Blizzard was born November 26, 1948, in Fairland, Oklahoma. He departed this life on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. He had a heart attack while relaxing at home with his beloved wife, Kathy.

Darell attended school in Miami, Oklahoma through the 11th grade and graduated from Grove High School with the class of 1967. He furthered his education at NEO A& M College in Miami, OK., graduating in 1969 with an associate degree. Darell started his career as a lineman with Public Service Company in 1969 working through their apprentice program and earning his Journeyman Lineman Certification. After five years he tried other endeavors. He was a Fireman, Insurance Agent, and owed D & K Electric, but his real calling was being a Lineman. He returned to that occupation working for REC and PSO before going to GRDA where he retired January 1, 2005 after 23 years of service. He loved Linework and often stated the satisfaction of what he did because not many could climb poles and work from such heights. Darell was so pleased when his grandson, Hayden, decided to follow him and become a Lineman.

During this time, he mentored many young men on job related issues and family life as well.

It was at NEO in December of “67 when he met his true love, Betty Kathryn (Kathy) Edens. They were married six months later and spent 56 years together. Wherever Darell went he always wanted her by his side. Together they have two children, Darell Wesley and Kathryn Denise. To Darell family meant everything. He was immensely proud of his wife and children and treasured every moment spent with them, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Darell loved his brothers and sister and enjoyed meeting them for lunch. He and Kathy also greatly enjoyed meeting family and friends at “The Dam Store” most Thursdays for fish day. Many times, spending hours visiting and/or trying to one-up Ken.

He was proud to be a “9-day Navy man”. One of his favorite memories was a “Tiger Cruise” aboard the USS Kansas City from Pearl Harbor Navy Base in Hawaii to Alameda, California with his son. A Cowboy at heart, he loved horses and team roping which he did in his younger years and continued to enjoy rodeos throughout his life. Darell’s other pastimes included bass fishing, (always had a good fish story to tell), hunting and archery. He won many placings in Archery including District and State first placings in Bare Bow. Darell also placed and/or won several Bass fishing tournaments. Due to his positive outlook and fun-loving disposition, no matter what he was doing, he enjoyed the comradery of those around him. Those who knew Darell knew he would buy or sell anything. He loved to “haggle”. Darell coached Little League for a time where he mentored many young boys. Later he and Ted Littlefield teamed up and umpired for some years. They were a great team and were given plaques from the Frank Hair Little League Tournament in Pryor which he treasured.

Darell is survived by his loving wife, Kathy and their two children, Wesley Blizzard, and wife, Melinda, and Denise Powell, and husband, Joel, as well as two grandchildren, Anthony Powell and Seth; and Hayden Powell and wife, Caylie; two great grandsons, Brantley and Hudson Powell and a great granddaughter on the way; two brothers, Roy Blizzard and wife, Billie, and Robert Blizzard; a sister, Jane Williams and husband Charley; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Andy Blizzard, Jr., and Retha Bell (Crow) Blizzard; one brother, William (Bill) Blizzard; one sister-in-law, Joyce Blizzard; niece, Linda Blizzard; and nephew, Terry Blizzard.

No services are planned for Darell at this time. To leave a personal message, please visit his guest book at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.