Darlene Julia Wyatt

Darlene Julia Wyatt was born in Yoakum on July 26, 1927 to Roston and Lilly Burkett and passed away on Nov. 25, 2014 at the age of 87. She and her husband Earl Franklin Wyatt were the center of the Wyatt family's universe for almost 70 years.  

She is survived by three sons, Terry Wyatt (and wife Andrea), Allan Wyatt (and wife Dori) and Wayne Wyatt (and wife Cain). She will also be greatly missed by her six grandchildren, Matthew Wyatt, Kelly Wyatt, Dustin Wyatt (and wife Lindsey), Carly Park (and husband Robert), Coltin Wyatt and Mikayla Wyatt. DeDe, as she was called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was the proud matriarch of four great-grandchildren, Southern Wyatt, Remington Wyatt, Baylor Wyatt and Claire Park. Darlene is also survived by her sister, Manetta Hairell and her sister-in-law, Dr. Georgia Hitchcock. Nola Clay has been invaluable as her assistant, her eyes, her legs, and as an adopted family member for the past four years. Love and appreciation came quickly when Nola joined the Wyatt family.

She chose the name DeDe in 1982 upon Dustin's birth in attempt to preserve her youthful attitude of being too young to be called "grandma.” And so it was for the last 32 years. She was always too young to be old! Her feisty and vibrant spirit was a rallying point whenever the Wyatt family had a project, a Boy Scout function or a deer camp to put together.  

She was her beloved husband Earl's second-in-command and "Chief Cook and Bottle Washer" until his death in 2010. Darlene was an excellent cook and had a fondness for crystal. No pet or homeless animal was ever turned away from her house.  

She posted a list of all the family's important dates of birthdays and anniversaries. Even if the whole world would forget your day, DeDe made a telephone call and had a card in the mail for you.  

She was a stay-at-home mom in a generation before the title was invented and it was a full time job. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and all of her friends who knew her well. Everyone she loved— and all who loved her— had to realize if she had an opinion, she was going to give it to you. She was not a shy woman. This sentiment is certain. She will be gone, but never forgotten.

Visitation was Sunday, Nov. 30 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.

Funeral service was 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 1 at First Lutheran Church in Gonzales with Rev. Ildiko Rigney officiating. Burial was at Yoakum Restland Cemetery. Pallbearers were Pat McMasters, Charlie Belcik, Nola Clay, Randy Zimmerman, Jeannie Hermes and Jeff Hahn.

Memorials may be given to First Lutheran Church, 1206 N. St. Joseph St., Gonzales, Texas 78629.

The online guest book may be signed at www.thielecooper.com.

Arrangements by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656.