Lillian Allene McCleskey DarrJuly 21, 1917 – June 16, 2017A picture of faith, grace and beauty, Lillian “Allene” McCleskey Darr was born in a farmhouse in the country in Erath County, Texas. She and her five siblings were raised in the area around Bluff Dale, Texas. She grew up during the depression. She was fortunate to attend John Tarleton Agricultural College where she met the love of her life, Ferris Walker Darr. Because Tarleton did not allow students to be married, Allene and Ferris eloped and kept their marriage a secret so they could continue to attend Tarleton.They moved to Midland in 1949. Ferris and his father built a house for the young family. They raised five children. When Allene was younger she taught children’s Sunday School at Fort Worth and Jax Church of Christ.While in Midland she held a variety of jobs including working in the Midland Service League’s childcare center, working for Dr. Driscoll, working for the Midland County Clerk as a Deputy County Clerk and working as a substitute teacher. She and Ferris were owners and operators of Darr Cabinet Shop. In 1984, they retired and moved to Stephenville, Texas. Ferris preceded her in death and she continued to live in Stephenville. During this time, she enjoyed having her nephew Richard McCleskey live next door to her.From 1986 until 2006, Allene served as the church secretary at Hillcrest Church of Christ in Stephenville. At 88, she told her children that she “didn’t want to work all her life.” After that, she retired and moved back to Midland.According to her family she was a world-class fried chicken cook. She was a country girl. She was a master seamstress and made her granddaughters’ wedding dresses. She was a Christian woman who lived her faith.She is survived by two sons and three daughters,–Ferris Delano Darr and wife Barbara, Deanna Slaten, Zelma “Ruthie” Crowder, Janie Riggs and husband Dale and Jeff Darr and wife Robin. She is also survived by grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.There will be a graveside service officiated by Jeff Darr at West End Cemetery, at the intersection of Washington and Lillian Streets, across from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 10:30 am. All floral offerings should be directed to the family.Please join us to honor Allene Darr, a woman of faith, grace and beauty.Arrangements were under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
