Darrell Wayne Freeman

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Darrell Wayne Freeman. Darrell went to be with his Lord on April 28, 2026 in his home surrounded by his family.

Darrell was born on July 17, 1955 in Dallas, TX to Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Earl Freeman. He was preceded in death by his first wife and “first” mother of his children; Donna Marie Wilkerson Freeman; parents Sidney Earl and Sally June Crawford Freeman; mother and father-in-law Wilma and E. J. Wilkerson; mother and father-in-law Wanda and Billy E. Gilbert; brother James Freeman; sister-in-law Lori Freeman; and brothers-in-law Billy and David Gilbert. 

Darrell married Donna Marie Wilkerson on March 21, 1975; sadly she passed away only 10 years later leaving behind Darrell and two young children. Darrell later married Cheryl Ann Gilbert Channell on July 29, 1989. The two had met in 1972 at the church where his Dad pastored. They dated for a time and she fell hopelessly in love. But as pastors sometimes do, Sidney took a position in another town miles away. Here is where Darrell met and married his first wife. Years later, Darrell and Cheryl re-connected and rekindled the love that had been lost so long before. 

Darrell lived life fully following what he called the Freeman motto of “whatever it takes”. If he wanted to do something be it for himself, his family or for his friends he figured a way to make it happen. Darrell was an avid sportsman pursuing fishing, hunting, golfing, softball and even a little volleyball! He was a reserve officer with both the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Patrol and the Shawnee Police Department. He used to say he could “fix anything from the crack of dawn to a broken heart” and if you knew him you not only believed him but many times, if you were fortunate, you watched it happen! He was handy at everything from heavy equipment maintenance to home canning. But one of his favorite things was spending time with his “Grands”! He loved being a Poppi! 

Darrell is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cheryl; sons David Freeman; Kelly and Justin Channell; daughter Dana Dinkins and son-in-law Jarod; grand-children Xavier Freeman; Kael, Kenedi and Emarie Dinkins; siblings, Rodger Freeman; Debbie Junot and husband Woody; Kay Gibson and husband Greg; Michael Freeman; sister-in-law Betty Freeman as well numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was a faithful and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. It gave him great joy to offer his time and help to family and friends and he did so when and where he saw a need. Darrell was fearless and unwavering in his determination to make life better for his family. He will forever be our hero, our standard and we are eternally grateful that God chose to share him with us.

A Celebration of Darrell’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, OK.