Darrell Sanders

Funeral services for Darrell Sanders, 68, of Chico, Texas, will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Victory Church in Decatur, with burial to follow at Chico Cemetery in Chico. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will include Kevin Ooten, Marshall Sanders, Clint Bitner, Jeremy Bitner, Larry Vest, David Blake, Jeremy Schaffner, and Dakota Valverde.

Darrell Glenn Sanders was born June 25, 1956, in Decatur, Texas, to Thelton Darrell and Delores (Howard) Sanders, and peacefully passed away April 2, 2025, surrounded by his family in Plano, Texas.

Darrell proudly graduated from Mineral Wells High School, class of 1974. He had a deep love for martial arts, achieving the rank of a 5th-degree black belt. His commitment to martial arts was profound. Darrell taught many families martial arts in Wise County, sharing his knowledge and skills with pride. He was the founder of North Texas Karate in 1987, and a founding member of the North Texas Karate Alliance. Darrell was also involved with the American Karate Black Belt Association (AKBBA) and the Texas Unorganized Riders (affectionately known as the TURDS). In addition to these roles, he hosted various events including the Thanks for Giving Tournament, the Lions Club Tournament, Glasses 4 Kids, and a cancer benefit for Monica Lopez.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Darrell cherished spending time with his family. He loved calling and chatting with his children every day. In his leisure time, he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, garage sales, and most importantly, creating memories with his children and grandchildren.

Darrell is survived by his loving wife of nine years, Frances Sanders; four sons, Dustin Sanders and his wife Ashley from Glen Rose, Texas, Josh Beckworth and his wife Megan from Bowie, Texas, Shelby Beckworth and his wife Jacquelyn from Granbury, Texas, and Dylan Sanders and his wife Krislynn from Chico, Texas; daughter, Erin Ooten and her husband Ryan from Nashville, Tennessee; brother, Danny Sanders and his wife Nancy from Alvord, Texas; sister, Tammy Sanders from Jacksboro, Texas; and his stepsons, Justin Rivas and Dakota Valverde with his wife Sarah, as well as stepdaughter Cristin Rivas.

Darrell found joy in the laughter of his grandchildren; Kaydence Ooten, Kevin Ooten, Catie Sanders, Nolan Sanders, Liam Beckworth, Elissa Beckworth, Walker Sanders, Presley Beckworth, Jesse Beckworth, and he looked forward to the arrival of grandchild #10 in May, along with Hudson Sanders in July. He also embraced his step-grandchildren, Gavin Rivas, Tristan Rivas, Madison Bagley and her husband Caleb, and Lyncoln Rivas.

In addition to his immediate family, Darrell was surrounded by numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart and a wide circle of friends who will miss his warm spirit and kindness.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Thelton and Delores Sanders, and brother, Michael Todd Sanders.

© (Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home)

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