Obituary of Darel David Woods

Eulogy for a Husband “ ...One or the other must leave, one or the other must stay, One or the other must grieve, that is forever the way. That is the vow that was sworn, faithful ‘till death do us part. Braving what has to be borne, widening the ache in the heart. One how so ever adored, first must be summoned away. That is the will of the lord—one or the other must stay!” Darel leaves a legacy of love and integrity with his family and those who knew him. He has left behind wonderful memories of a loving husband and father. We are forever grateful for each and every day we got to see his smile, and for lessons learned and all the jokes we shared. Darel David Woods was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico on January 24, 1956. He left high school early to join the Navy in 1973 and served as operations specialist aboard the USS Charleston. Although Darel was never to tell Navy stories, he was very proud of his service and loyal to his country. This is a value he instilled in his son Jacob as well. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Darel moved back to Texas and worked a variety of jobs – waiting tables at Village Inn restaurant in El Paso, Texas to working in the oilfield of Midland Texas. Until an ex-girlfriend suggested he should go to nursing school and become a nurse. And he’s been a registered nurse for 30 years. Working in Med Surg, ER and ICU units. He loves nursing, the satisfaction of caring for the most vulnerable and dependent of our population. I met Darel in California in 1996 through a blind date. It was love at first sight. He was tall and handsome, very attentive and thoughtful. Following a year of dating and a court house wedding in Las Vegas, we moved to Midland Texas. One year later we had our only son Jacob Harrison Woods. We have been married for 20 years, I am very thankful and blessed for every minute that I have spend with him, Darel has been a devoted husband and father, he was spiritually strong, compassionate, and loyal. Above all, he loved and cherished his family and friends. We will miss him more than words can express. We love you. Be at peace Hon. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal Death leaves a memory no one can steal”