Darell Harrison Eason

Darell Harrison Eason, age 81, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Baylor Scott & White - Hillcrest in Waco.

A family directed Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel with private burial following at Old Union Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Brett Harris, Jason Stevens, Winston Eason, Kyle Eason, Robbie Witt, and Isiah Mejia.

Darell was born September 18, 1942, in Houston, Texas to Sylvester and Lorraine (Vaughn) Eason.   He grew up in Houston and graduated from Sam Houston High School in the Class of 1961. 

Darell followed in his Dad’s footsteps joining the Pipe Fitters Local #211 and working in Houston on big construction jobs.   However, he and the family chose to move to their beach home in Port O’Conner, where he became self-employed and a public servant of the town, including a member of the Chamber of Commerce.   He was the first person to run the general trash pickup service; he owned a propane dealership with delivery trucks; he had a tire station and an adjoining Exxon station, where all the boats and yachts in the fishing community filled up.     All the family participated in the businesses, as well as going out fishing with he and his Dad in the Gulf, and there was fish every day.   It was the “best childhood ever.”   Darell loved spending his time with his family but also serving the public. 

Later, about twenty years ago, Darell and JoNell moved to Waco to be near their children.    Wanting something to do, he started a candle business, “The Waco Candleman”, first in their kitchen and moved to the garage.  He developed his own special techniques for the scent, and as a natural salesman, he developed customers.   Again, the family and grandchildren pitched in on weekends.   Many more wonderful memories of family life and business enterprise were provided by this generous, compassionate, and funny (loving the “joke of the day”) father.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister; and his son, Michael Dale Eason. 

He is survived by his wife, JoNell Eason; daughter, Rena Parsons of Austin; 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.