Dr. Darrell Gene Woods, age 75, of Cassville, Missouri.

Dr. Darrell Gene Woods, age 75, of Cassville, Missouri, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in his home. Darrell was born on November 16, 1949, and grew up in Cassville. He graduated from Cassville High School in 1969. Following high school, Darrell proudly served his country in the United States Army as an airplane mechanic in Phu Bai, Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in January of 1972 with the rank of Specialist 5th Class.

After serving in the military, the Lord called him into the pastoral ministry. He attended Southwest Baptist University in Boliver, Missouri, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies. He continued his education and received a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry at Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia. He started his ministry by teaching a Sunday school class and leading the music at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cassville, Missouri.

Darrell’s love for Jesus was evident in every area of his life. For 50 years, he faithfully preached the gospel, sharing the hope of Christ with others. His ministry spanned many churches throughout Illinois, Kansas & Missouri, including First Baptist Seligman, Grace Baptist, Morley Baptist, Pearl Street Southern Baptist, Southside Baptist, First Baptist Holden, and Sterling Baptist. His longest tenure was with Six Mile Baptist Church, where he served for 18 years before returning home to Barry County. For the last five years, Darrell served as the Director of Missions for Barry County, furthering his commitment to spreading the message of Christ and helping build up the local church community.

In addition to his passion for ministry, he enjoyed playing and sharing music. He played the guitar and sang in the Baker-Woods quartet and played in the Don Henson band for over 30 years, playing at nursing homes and senior citizen centers. Darrell was able to play multiple instruments by ear, including the piano, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele. He was also an avid guitar collector and enjoyed building guitars and gifting them to many family members and friends. Darrell also enjoyed cruising the square in his 1966 candy apple red Ford Mustang.

Darrell’s family was his greatest joy, and he cherished spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His love and devotion to his family were unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ina Lea Woods; stepfather, Lloyd Tucker and three grandchildren, Tian, Taden and Tucker Warren.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary (Cole) Woods; his daughters, Tonya Royal and her husband Michael of Marthasville, Missouri, Tracy Warren and her husband Nick of St. Louis, Missouri and Tesia Woods-Nichols and her husband Benjamin of Cassville, Missouri; one brother, David Woods and his wife Charlotte of Aurora, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Austin Royal, Alan-Michael Royal, Alexis Helmer, Alayna Royal, Dustin Snead, Titus Warren and Elias Warren and four great grandchildren, Blaine Royal, Blaire Royal, Warren Snead and Quincy Snead, as well as many other family members, friends, and those who were touched by his ministry.

A celebration of Darrell's life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, December 23, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Cassville, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Reverend Jerry Francisco and Pastor Milford Baker will conduct the services. Burial with military honors will be at Corinth Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Sunday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cassville.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Veterans Outreach Ministries, P.O. Box 58, Searcy, Arkansas 72145 or VetCenters.org. 

Darrell's legacy of faith, love, and dedication to family will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is now in the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, with whom he has walked faithfully for many years.

Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences.