Darrell John Secrest
Darrell John Secrest, age 83, of Shelby, died Sunday morning, December 21, 2025, at The Willows at Willard following a brief illness.
Born October 19, 1942, in Marion, Ohio, Darrell was the son of the late Halleck and Mary (Moore) Secrest. After moving from Marion to Caldwell, he graduated from Caldwell High School and later attended The Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
On August 16, 1964, Darrell married Barbara Lynn (Wood) Secrest. Shortly thereafter, the couple moved to Shelby when Darrell accepted his first teaching position at Shelby High School, a position that would become his lifelong career. Darrell and Barb made Shelby their home, where they raised their three children and spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Secrest taught algebra for 34 years, also teaching driver’s education and coaching eighth grade, freshman, and JV basketball for many years. Following his retirement in 1998, he continued to substitute teach for many years and remained a loyal Shelby Whippet fan to the end.
Darrell was a lifelong pilot, a passion inherited from his father along with his Cessna airplane. He truly loved flying. He was also an avid fisherman, enjoying numerous trips to Canada for fly fishing and to Lake Erie for perch fishing. Darrell and Barb enjoyed Euchre, sharing many cherished years playing with a close group of friends, and he also enjoyed golfing. Together, they were longtime members of the Shelby First United Methodist Church.
Darrell is survived by his three children: Brent (Jennifer) Secrest of Wilson, North Carolina; Eric (Jennifer) Secrest of Westerville; and Michele (Mark) Deutchman of Acworth, Georgia; grandchildren: Alexander “A.C.” Secrest, Elizabeth “E.J.” Secrest, Emma Secrest, Jack Secrest, Jamie Deutchman, and Seth Deutchman; brother-in-law: Bob Rudge of Caldwell; sister-in-law: Beth Saling of Caldwell; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by his wife, Barb, on December 15, 2021, and by his sister, Nancy Rudge.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, January 2, 2026 (please note exact date), from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Shelby First United Methodist Church, 18 South Gamble Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 12:00 noon. Pastor Michael Padula will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters, c/o Cathy Dodge, 145 Mansfield Avenue, Apt. #7, Shelby, Ohio 44875, or to the Shelby First United Methodist Church.
Care for Darrell and his family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website at PenwellFuneralHome.com or on its Facebook page.