John Philip Darby

John Philip Darby, 84, of Pampa, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2020 in Pampa.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 6, 2020 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Mark Lang, rector, officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

John was born on April 9, 1935 in Pampa to Thomas E. and Gladys Benton Darby.  He attended Pampa schools during his childhood, and during his time at Pampa High School, he played football and ran track. In 1954, he was a part of the team that participated in the Dallas Track & Field Meet and won first place; they were known as the group that beat the best of the best. He graduated from Pampa High School in 1954 and then continued his education at the North Texas State University in Denton, where he played football and ran track. He was member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity during his college years. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1959. 

John coached football and track in San Antonio, and then returned to Pampa briefly, where he married Marcia Kay Monahan on November 23, 1960. They went back to San Antonio, where they lived for many years before returning to Pampa in 1972. He coached at Pampa Junior High before leaving to work in the oilfield. He owned and operated J-Mar Golf Carts before going back to the oilfield until his retirement in 2001. John and Marcia then moved to Taos, NM, where painting became his passion. They moved back to Amarillo in 2007 and opened Tumbleweed Art Gallery in Sunset Art Center. The love of his life, Marcia Kay Darby, passed away on April 23, 2015. In 2016, John closed the art gallery and moved back to Pampa where he resided until his death.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and a brother, Tommy Darby.

John is survived by his 3 daughters, Mary Niccum and husband Gary of Pampa, Ashlie Henderson and husband Donnie, and Dona Murray and husband Robert, all of Hereford; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorials may be sent to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 727 W Browning Ave, Pampa, TX 79065.