Darrell John Secrest, age 83, of Shelby, died Sunday morning, December 21, 2025, at The Willows at Willard following a brief illness.
Born October 19, 1942, in Marion, Ohio, Darrell was the son of the late Halleck and Mary (Moore) Secrest. After moving from Marion to Caldwell, he graduated from Caldwell High School and later attended The Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
On August 16, 1964, Darrell married Barbara Lynn (Wood) Secrest. Shortly thereafter, the couple moved to Shelby when Darrell accepted his first teaching position at Shelby High School, a position that would become his lifelong career. Darrell and Barb made Shelby their home, where they raised their three children and spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Secrest taught algebra for 34 years, also teaching driver’s education and coaching eighth grade, freshman, and JV basketball for many years. Following his retirement in 1998, he continued to substitute teach for many years and remained a loyal Shelby Whippet fan to the end.
Darrell was a lifelong pilot, a passion inherited from his father along with his Cessna airplane. He truly loved flying. He was also an avid fisherman, enjoying numerous trips to Canada for fly fishing and to Lake Erie for perch fishing. Darrell and Barb enjoyed Euchre, sharing many cherished years playing with a close group of friends, and he also enjoyed golfing. Together, they were longtime members of the Shelby First United Methodist Church.
Darrell is survived by his three children: Brent (Jennifer) Secrest of Wilson, North Carolina; Eric (Jennifer) Secrest of Westerville; and Michele (Mark) Deutchman of Acworth, Georgia; grandchildren: Alexander “A.C.” Secrest, Elizabeth “E.J.” Secrest, Emma Secrest, Jack Secrest, Jamie Deutchman, and Seth Deutchman; brother-in-law: Bob Rudge of Caldwell; sister-in-law: Beth Saling of Caldwell; nieces: Kim (Tim) Rudge Brummel and Karen (Jim) Rudge Pierce; nephew: Keith (Christin) Rudge; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by his wife, Barb, on December 15, 2021, and by his sister, Nancy Rudge.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, January 2, 2026 (please note exact date), from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Shelby First United Methodist Church, 18 South Gamble Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 12:00 noon. Pastor Michael Padula will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters, c/o Cathy Dodge, 145 Mansfield Avenue, Apt. #7, Shelby, Ohio 44875, or to the Shelby First United Methodist Church.
Care for Darrell and his family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website at PenwellFuneralHome.com or on its Facebook page.
Brent, Eric and Michele: Jean and I are very sorry to learn of your father passing. Darrell was a good man. I personally enjoyed coaching with him for those many years and enjoyed his droll sense of humor. Rest in peace Darrell.
Remembering Mr.Secrest teaching Algebra at SHS while I was a student of the Class of 1969. I’m thinking that he attended a Class Reunion or HOD Weekend when last I chatted with him.
May precious memories bring his family some comfort and peace that he enjoyed a life well lived.
Michele
Out thoughts and prayers are with the Secrest family.
Michelle and family- so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barb, I’m sending my condolences to you and your family. Darrell was my teacher (class of ‘69) in his early years at Shelby. I was fortunate to be your babysitter for a few years during my high school years. Was fortunate to see you both at The Vault last year. Cherish your memories.
Brent, Michelle and Eric, I am terribly sorry for your loss. Your dad always parked out front at FUMC. Every Sunday I would look for his car as I drove towards the church. I parked right next to him so we could walk out of church together. If his car was not there my heart would sink a little. I will certainly miss your dad and his dry sense of humor. He had some great comments that made me laugh. Our church family will be missing a good man. RIP Mr. Secrest, I will miss you
Sincerely, Jodi Messner
I was fortunate to have Mr. Secrest as my eighth grade basketball coach and Algebra I teacher. He excelled at both positions of leadership, leaving a lasting influence on us as young people. Mr. Secrest had a unique combination of dry yet witty sense of humor. He will be missed but fondly remembered.
May God comfort you, his family and loved ones, during this time of loss.
Darrell was a positive force in the lives of many Shelbians. He will be missed.
Sorry to see this. Mr. Secrest was a great person . I have often thought of him through the years. Our sympathies to his wife and family.
My prayers to the family.
My deepest condolences.
To the Secrest family,
Our sincere condolences. Darrell was a part of our church family and was always entertaining with his sense of humor, besides being a kind man. He led a life to be proud of and will be missed.
Enjoyed Darrel so much on a number of the Canadian fishing trips we went on with John Hancock…I was also on the receiving end of the “Board of Education” once in Junior High for shooting spit wads at the chalkboard in his study hall…Yes, I had it coming…years later I reminded him of that and he asked me if I was a better man because of it…I said yes, and thanked him for it…he smiled. God rest your soul, Darrel.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr Secrest’s passing. He was truly a great teacher that I enjoyed so much. I enjoyed having his niece, Kim Rudge Brummel, as a college roommate. Praying for his family and all those dear to him. ❤️❤️
Anyone who could love a dog like Jack, and he did, has to be a good person. I always loved to talk and joke with Darrell, usually, in the teacher’s lounge, at the Sr. High School. He was a good guy, who will be missed. Rest in peace old friend.
Brent, Eric and Michelle,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I will not be in town for the service. I have great memories of him as my driving instructor. However, my best memories are of your family being great neighbors. Your dad was a great man who kept us all in line in the neighborhood. God bless!