Bobby Guy Darwin, 80, a resident of Mesquite, Texas for the past 45 years, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, in his home surrounded by family.
Beloved husband of Alda Mae Darwin for the past 40 years; Father of Linden Gilmore and wife Barbara, Vickie Miller and husband Mike, Lana Hibbler and husband Donnie.
Proud grandfather of Phillip Gilmore, Dustin Gilmore and wife Candice, Melissa Mancini and husband Richard "Happy", Adam Gaston and fiance Liane and Trey Gilmore.
Loving Great Grandfather to Alexis Gilmore, Jonah Gilmore, Audrey Gilmore, Braden Mancini, Avery Gilmore, Addison Gilmore, Spencer Mancini and Baby Boy Mancini; also survived by numerous nieces & nephews, great friends, amazing coaches & educators and his "Grand Dogs" Dollar Bill, Ella and Davy.
Proceeded by son Gregory Gilmore, parents Guy Perry Darwin and Mary Bell Darwin, sisters Kay Copeland, Helen Easley and Jean Darwin.
Bobby, a native of Farmersville, graduated from Farmersville High School in 1950. Her recieved his Bachelors and Masters degrees from East Texas State University (Texas A&M Commerce). He formally began his educational career with the county superintendent's office and set up reading and physical education programs in the Blue Ridge, Anna and Melissa schools. The next four years saw him as a teacher/coach in the Wylie Schools. He served the Westminster system for 1 year and left to coach/teach in McKinney for the next 3 years. He spent from 1964 to 1990 in the Mesquite schools with the exception of two years in Rockwall. His football coaching career left him with an amazing record. In 34 years he coached 322 games with 311 wins, 11 Loses and 3 tied games for 97% career wins. 21 years of his 34 coaching were undefeated ones. A statistic he was very proud of. He was presented with a Texas Life PTA Membership in 1975. The Vanston Science club dedicated a live oak tree to him, planted in observance for Arbor Day in 1989. In November of 1989 the Mesquite Council of PTAs received a donation to the Scholarship fund given by Vanston Middle School PTA in his honor, among many other awards from fellow educators for his tireless service and dedication to the youth he taught and coached. He retired in 1990 after 36 years. Bobby loved to travel and try new foods. He enjoyed fishing and grilling out. He loved watching his grandkids and great grandkids grow up. He was a true family man and loved life.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the following Services:
Visitation will be held at the Coker-Mathews Funeral Home at 5100 Interstate 30, Greenville, Texas, 75402 on Saturday, January 25, 2014, at 5:00PM until 9:00PM.
The Funeral Service will be held at the same address in the Chapel on Sunday January 26, 2014 at 2:00PM.
Burial will follow at Memoryland Memorial Park at 808 West Jack Finney Blvd. Greenville, Texas 75404.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bobby Darwin’s name to: The Mesquite Council of PTAs Scholarship fund.