Ronnie Lee Darby

Ronnie was born to parents Embree Lee Darby and Norma Arlean Streety Darby on March 7, 1947, in Hobbs, NM and grew up in Houma, LA. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he earned a National Defense Service Medal and Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. Following an honorable discharge, he worked in medical research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He then continued serving his country in the defense industry as an engineer at Lockheed-Martin and in the Central Intelligence Agency.

Ronnie was a kind, extremely intelligent man who enjoyed reading and video-gaming, and in his younger years, photography, kayaking, gardening, and generally being outdoors. He was also a long-time HAM Radio operator.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents Embree Lee Darby and Norma Arlean Streety Darby.

Ronnie is survived by his children Steven Darby and Cynthia Fafel by his first wife Marion Schmidt Darby, and Lindsey Darby and Ryan Byars by his second wife Jaye Alison Russell. He is also survived by his brothers Tim Darby, Mark Darby, Kevin Darby, Carey Darby and David Darby, and sister Tina Condon. He is survived by three grandchildren: Andrew Fafel, Samuel Fafel, and Avalon Greder, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service and burial of his ashes with military honors will be at Houston National Cemetery; details to come.

Ronnie’s daughter Cynthia would like to extend sincere thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff of St. David’s South Austin Medical Center and Christopher House Hospice where he received excellent loving care during his last days.