Darrell W. Kurtz

Darrell William Kurtz passed away on May 6, 2024.  Darrell loved his time spent with family and friends – fishing and hunting.  Darrell was born on March 12, 1946, to Gladys Chollett Kurtz and Wilferd “W.L.” Kurtz.  He was raised on the family farm in Holland, Texas and loved the land and agriculture.  He was a graduate of Holland High School, where he still holds the record in the 800-meter dash.  He graduated from Sam Houston State University where he received a degree in vocational agriculture.  While at Sam Houston, he met his wife, Sheila. After college, Darrell served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Louisiana and Maryland.  They lived the military life in Havre de Grace, Maryland for a while and then returned to Texas to find teaching jobs.  They landed in Pearsall, where they spent their teaching careers with Pearsall Independent School District.  Darrell loved teaching, working with young people and animals.  He taught one year in Holland ISD and then 39 years at Pearsall High School.  He received numerous vocational awards through the years.  He was devoted to the Future Farmers of America and exposing as many students as possible to FFA. He also taught and loved teaching students how to weld. They built trailers, BBQ pits, deer blinds and many other projects.  In 2013, he was honored to have the PHS Ag Building named after him.  

In 1976, Darrell and Sheila were blessed with their first child, Emily Ann and in 1979, they were blessed with their son, Kris Bradley.  The birth of their children led to a fulfilled life full of fun and love.  Darrell enjoyed supporting Emily and Kris at stock shows, sporting events, little league, dance recitals, cheerleading and much more.  

Just when he thought things couldn’t get any better, God blessed him with 2 granddaughters – Reese Lauren and Taylor Kate.  He loved being POP! He loved supporting them at their many school functions, especially softball games.  Cheering from little league to Bombers to Greyhounds was always fun, exciting and a special time.  He especially loved taking them fishing and hunting.  He with Uncle Kris, their dad Shane, Papaw Dennis and other family members shared their appreciation for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing.  He was always proud of them and honored to be their POP.  

Darrell’s hunting and fishing trips with his dad, uncles, brothers, and friends were the best.  The stories told and the meals consumed were unmatched. The adventures had are lasting memories for all who were lucky enough to be a part of them. These were some of his most treasured memories, and he would look forward to hunting season, deer camp trips and fishing as often as possible.  

Darrell’s friends were a very important part of his life. He loved cooking and having friends over.  It might be backyard therapy with the guys, a dove-a-thon (as he liked to call it), a full blown fish fry, an after Maverick game party, Halloween parties…. did we need a reason to be together – No! Darrell loved his breakfast buddies at the local restaurants.  He and his friends always found time to be together and tried to solve the problems of the world.  Too bad nobody listened – the world might be a better place.  

Darrell is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sheila Kurtz; his daughter and son in law, Emily and Shane Wilson; his son, Kris Kurtz; his granddaughters, Reese and Taylor Wilson; his brothers and their spouses:  Weldon and Cedalia Kurtz, twin brother - Harold and Joan Kurtz, Lloyd and Peggy Kurtz and his sister, Patsy Cross; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

Darrell is enjoying his heavenly reunion with his parents, Wilferd and Gladys, his in laws – John and Georgia, his brother-in-law – Randy Cross, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his beloved family pets.  

If you were lucky enough to be one of his students and attend an FFA meeting, you would have heard him say: 

“The owl is a time-honored emblem of knowledge and wisdom.  Being older than the rest of you, I am asked to advise you from time to time as the need arises.  I hope that my advice will always be based on true knowledge and ripened with wisdom.”  

That it was!

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Pearsall Methodist Church.  Service will conclude at the church.

Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services 608 E. Trinity Street, Pearsall, Texas, 78061, (830) 334-3361.