Darrell A. Beil
September 21, 1930 – May 14, 2025
Darrell A. Beil, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on May 14, 2025, after a short illness. He was surrounded by some of the people he loved the most. A man of quiet strength, deep wisdom, and unwavering kindness, Darrell leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and steadfast family devotion.
Born on September 21, 1930, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Darrell faced profound hardship early in life. His beloved mother, Fern Jones Beil, passed away when he was just eight years old. With his father, Clarence Beil, working overseas, Darrell was placed in a Masonic home and orphanage in Wichita, Kansas, for two years until his father could return. Much of his youth was spent on his own, facing the world with little support. Yet from those difficult beginnings, Darrell emerged with strength, grace, and a heart full of compassion. Even through adversity, he became a dignified human being with a great soul — kind, principled, and full of integrity.
Darrell graduated from Liberty High School in Kansas in 1948. He worked summers for Douglas Aircraft and later put himself through college at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) with the help of the Air Force GI Bill and humble jobs — including sweeping bleachers after football games at Oklahoma A&M. To support his education, Darrell signed up for the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant and was stationed in Alexandria, Louisiana. He graduated in 1956 with honors in the School of Engineering at Oklahoma A&M and was a proud member of the Acacia fraternity.
While in college, Darrell met the love of his life, Sharlene Oxley, on a blind date in Tulsa. They married on May 28, 1955, and would have celebrated 70 beautiful years together this month. Their marriage was a true partnership — built on faith, respect, laughter, and deep love.
After settling in Fort Worth, Texas, Darrell began his engineering career at Airflow Engineering, where they welcomed their first child, Gregory. The family later moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where Darrell worked as a Territorial Sales Manager for Lennox Industries and celebrated the birth of their daughter, Sherron Lynn (Sherri).
Darrell's life was defined by his deep devotion to family. In 2009, when Sherri lost her husband, Timothy Meaux, Darrell stepped into a new role with strength and compassion. He became a pillar of support for his grandsons, Blake and Trent, guiding them through heartbreak with quiet love and wisdom. He didn't simply fill the void — he offered presence, steadiness, and unconditional love in a time of great need.
Darrell loved being out in the outdoors more than anywhere. In 1967, he and Sharlene took up snow skiing with friends they met through Sunday School, exploring the slopes of Colorado and New Mexico. Skiing quickly became a beloved family tradition; one they would go on to share with their children and grandchildren. Darrell served as president of the Oklahoma City Ski Club and, together with Sharlene, captained many memorable trips to Snowmass, Colorado. If Darrell and Sharlene were leading the trip, it was guaranteed to be full — and full of fun. Their warmth, humor, and gift for bringing people together made those journeys unforgettable for all who joined.
Their love story was not just long but filled with laughter and a shared zest for life. Darrell and Sharlene often joked that they wanted to die together — holding hands and skiing off the side of a cliff. It was their way of saying that if life had to end, they wanted it to end doing what they loved most: side by side, with joy and courage. That spirit of deep love and humor defined so much of their life together.
In 1989, Darrell and Sharlene bought a lake house on their beloved Lake Tenkiller — a place that would become a treasured sanctuary for the entire family. They worked hard to remodel and shape it into a home filled with laughter, comfort, and memories. That home, like the lake itself, continues to give peace to all who gather there. It remains a place where Darrell's spirit is felt deeply — in the stillness of the water, the beautiful sunsets, the joy of family, and the love that continues to grow across generations.
Darrell's loyalty also ran deep for his teams — the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He cheered them on through every season with heart and hope, and his family knows those cheers will carry on for eternity.
Darrell's faith was central to his life. Over the years, he was a devoted member of several congregations, including Crown Heights United Methodist Church and Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. He remained a faithful member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church until his death. His church communities were a source of spiritual strength, friendship, and purpose, and he carried his love for the Lord with quiet, unwavering grace.
Darrell is survived by his beloved wife, Sharlene; his children, Gregory and Sherri; his grandsons, Blake and Trent; Trent's wife, Megan; and four cherished great-grandchildren: Avery, Liam, Emma, and Hunter. He was preceded in death by his mother, Fern Jones Beil; his father, Clarence Beil; and his son-in-law, Timothy Meaux, whom he loved as a son.
Those who knew Darrell will remember him for his humility, loyalty, and the quiet dignity with which he lived his life. He was a man who never sought attention, but whose presence brought comfort, steadiness, and strength to everyone around him. He will also be remembered forever for his wonderful sense of humor and the jokes he knew that could bring such laughter even in the hardest times.
The family is deeply grateful to all who have reached out during this very sad time. We know the days ahead will be difficult without our beloved Darrell, daddy and Papa. Please keep us in your prayers as we move forward carrying his love and memory in our hearts.
A Graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5111 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma