Darren Keith White, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and beloved member of the community, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. A celebration of Darren’s life will be held where friends and family are invited to share stories and memories. Visitation will take place Saturday, March 8 from 5 to 7 PM and the funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 9 at 4:00 PM at Heartland Funeral Home in Early.
Born to John Elisha “JE” “Doc” White and Vonda Nell (Dillard) White, Darren grew up with a strong work ethic, a sharp mind for mechanics, and a heart full of love for his family and friends.
On December 3, 1982, Darren married the love of his life, Angela (Clay) White**, and together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and dedication. Throughout their 42 years of marriage, Darren and Angela raised two daughters, Andrea “AJ” Ratliff and her husband Grason of Rising
Star, and Cassandra Whitefield and her husband Trey of San Angelo. Darren took immense pride in his five grandchildren—Jasmine Ratliff, June Whitefield, Alexander Ratliff, Elijah Ratliff, and Augustus Whitefield—each of whom brought him great joy and many stories to share.
Darren was preceded in death by his brother, Kennith Dale “Toby” White, and is survived by his brother Steve White and wife Diana White, who shared many memories and experiences through the years.
Darren attended Cisco Junior College, and he was a multi-talented and hardworking man who spent his life working with his hands. He began his career at Cross Plains Oilfield Supply in the early 1980s and soon after founded Oilfield Supply and Small Engine Repair, which he proudly owned and operated since 1985. From his high school days hauling hay, turning watermelons, and working at D&T Lumber, to becoming an expert in downhole pump design and repair Darren was known as a man who could fix anything—and if he couldn’t, he knew someone who could.
Beyond his mechanical talents, Darren was a storyteller at heart. Whether sharing tales of his glory days with lifelong friends—Johnny Childers, Rodger Poteet, Gary Fox, Daryl Medford, Stanley Alexander, Ted Murphree, Gary Westerman, and many others—or recounting family adventures, he always had a story to tell. If you spent time with Darren, you knew there was always a cold beer nearby and a warm welcome.
A die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, Darren’s passion for his team was legendary—so much so that family lore suggests he once made a sister-in-law hold off delivering her firstborn until the game was over. His love for football was matched only by his love for his family, his friends, and the simple joys of life.
Darren’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His warmth, humor, and ingenuity will be deeply missed but forever cherished.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you simply share a story or a laugh with your loved ones— just as Darren would have wanted.
