Individual Details

Death

Lynn Darden passed away December 6, 2012 in Dallas, Texas after a lengthy illness. He was born in Tyler, Texas on June 6, 1934 to Robert Webster and Oleta Jones Darden. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Furr Darden, three daughters and sons in law, Kimberly and Trent Meyers of Dallas, Vickie and Fred Langner of Wichita Falls, Sally and Brent Hudspeth of Dallas and 6 grandchildren: Sarah, Sam and Caroline Langner as well as Luke, Megan and Blake Hudspeth. He is also survived by his sister, Ellen Kay Kunkel and her husband, Ken Kunkel of Mountain Home, Arkansas and his brother, John Darden of Prescott, Arizona. Lynn graduated from Baylor University in 1956 with degrees in Geology and History and then with a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1959. Moving to Wichita Falls, Texas he joined the law firm of Kouri and Banner, later becoming a partner in the law firm, Kouri, Banner and Darden. In 1950 Lynn became Administrative Assistant to newly elected U.S. Congressman Graham B. Purcell in Washington D.C. Following a year in Washington, Darden returned to Wichita Falls to join a law firm which soon became Gibson, Darden and Hotchkiss. Embracing civic leadership roles in Wichita Falls, Lynn served as Chairman of the Wichita Falls Planning Commission, Chairman of the North Texas Mental Health/Retardation Clinic and member of Rotary International. At the state level, he served on The Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board for six years by appointment from Governor Dolph Briscoe as well as a University of Texas Law School Director. During the 1980s and 90s, Lynn practiced law in Dallas principally serving as a business advisor to a core set of family clients. A lifelong Democrat, Darden participated in all levels of politics from local to national. He was twice elected to serve as a National Delegate to Democratic Conventions and was involved in National Conventions from 1960-1996. He served as Chairman of the Texas State Finance Committee and on many advisory committees. Darden built a home in Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 1997 where he and his wife, Margaret, spent most of their time. They joined Royal Lane Baptist Church which became an important part of his life. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, one might make a donation to a favorite charity . A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at Royal Lane Baptist Church, 6707 Royal Lane, located at the corner of Hillcrest and Royal Lane in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.sparkman-hillcrest.com.
Published in Dallas Morning News from December 7 to December 8, 2012