Darrel Wayne Overholt

Darrel Wayne Overholt, 95, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 27, 1930, in Stillwater to Jesse and Ora Overholt, Darrel was the fourth of seven children. He spent his childhood throughout Payne County and graduated from Stillwater High School in 1948 where he was a member of the wrestling team. He went on to attend Oklahoma A&M, where he studied Animal Science — the beginning of what would become a lifelong devotion to agriculture.

In the fall of 1949, fate stepped into the poultry house where Darrel was working, when a young woman named Barbara Ann Trumbla walked in with a duck to be cleaned. He asked her out on a date soon after, and on February 9, 1951, they were married in Stillwater — a union that would last more than 74 wonderful years.

Darrel’s early work at the Thomas cattle farm alongside his best friend, Owen Thomas, sparked a deep love for working with Angus cattle. That experience grew into a lifelong career devoted to livestock — feeding, grooming, showing, and caring for cattle across the U.S. and Canada. In 1959, Darrel and Barbara returned home to Stillwater with their daughters to put down roots once again. Later in life, Darrel was involved in numerous land development projects in Stillwater, naming many of them ROKA after his daughters.

Family was always at the heart of Darrel’s life. Nothing brought him more joy than time spent with Barbara, his daughters, and later, his grandchildren. The Overholts shared countless vacations, holidays, and celebrations over the years. As “Papa,” Darrel was a constant presence — cheering from the stands at ballgames, attending birthdays, and proudly supporting every milestone. Whether working on the farm with “extra hands” or pulling his grandkids on a sled behind the tractor after a snowfall, he filled every moment with warmth and laughter.

A true St. Louis Cardinals fan, Darrel also enjoyed hunting, golfing, OSU Athletics and he seemed to always be picking pecans. Above all, he loved telling stories — the kind that grew richer and funnier each time they were told.

Darrel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his parents; sisters Leona, Gene, and Beverly; brothers Jess and Richard; his son-in-law Roy McKinney; and his great-grandson Robert Revillas III.

Cherishing his memory are his daughters Becky Szlichta, Ora Morgan, Karen McKinney, and Allyn Bigelow (Jim); his brother Bill; his seven grandchildren — Christian Whitney, Jared Szlichta, Abby Morgan, Valerie Revillas, Lindsey Stucky, Marcie Hatley, and Jordan Bigelow — along with nine great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends who will forever remember him.

Darrel’s life was a testament to faith, hard work, and devotion to family. His stories and steadfast love will live on in all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Karman Legacy Hospice Fund.