Darlene S. Byrd, 84-year-old resident of Doniphan, MO, departed this life Monday, February 17, 2025, while visiting her daughter and family in Lawrence, KS. She was born October 2, 1940, in Sylvania, AR, to the late Otha and Vara (Smith) Seaton.
Darlene graduated from Cabot High School in Cabot, AR. She furthered her education by going to ASU Beebe, AR, where she met Bob, her future husband and love of her life. Darlene was a cheerleader, and Bob was a basketball player.
Darlene was known for her radiant smile and warm personality, greeting everyone who entered the doors of The Prospect-News. She had also worked for some time as an administrative assistant to the Doniphan Junior High Principal, in the nurse’s office, and for Smith Furniture Store and Lumber Company. Her kindness and sweet nature made her a cherished friend and neighbor. Darlene was an active member of the Doniphan Red Hatters and Women’s Breakfast Club, always contributing. She had a gift for growing flowers and was delighted when they bloomed. Darlene attended church from an early age and was a devoted Christian. She attended the Doniphan Methodist Church and used her talents singing in the choir. She loved her church family. Darlene was an avid reader with a special love for the Bible, often quoting passages she held dear.
In their spare time, Darlene and her husband, Bob, enjoyed the serenity of the river and spent time relaxing, fishing, floating, and boating. They even competed one summer in the annual Current River Canoe Race. Even with all these interests, Darlene’s greatest love was for her family. She doted on them, especially her granddaughter, Shaina.
On June 20, 1959, Darlene married Bob Byrd in the Presbyterian Church in Sylvania, AR. They had celebrated 51 of marriage before he preceded her in death on April 22, 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Eddie N. and Carroll B. Seaton; a sister-in-law, Jerry Seaton; and grandniece, Savannah Cheyenne Killough.
Surviving is her daughter, Karen D. Byrd Goodson and husband, William R. Goodson, Jr., of Lawrence, KS, and granddaughter, Shaina Goodson Miller, and husband, Cameron Miller, of Houston, TX. Also surviving are niece, Susan Killough; nephews, Scott Seaton, Wade Seaton, Jason Seaton; and great grandniece, Kelsey Alexandra Yancey; as well as many more beloved friends and family members.
Visitation will be held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 27, 2025, beginning at 12:30 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Brother Kent Wilfong will be officiating, and burial will be in Hunt-White Memorial Gardens.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are former ball players that Darlene’s husband, Bob Byrd, had coached during his tenure at Doniphan R-I School. Included in this group are Junior Baucom, Brad Eddington, Matthew Rodgers, Jimbo Blackwell, Chris Allen, and Mike Jackson, along with a family friend, Bryan Childers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darlene’s name to the Doniphan-Ripley County Library. Darlene loved to read and would log at least 250 books annually. Donating to the library in her honor can help others further their love of reading and exploring through books. You can do this by contacting Samantha Rodgers at the library.
