Darwin Ray Fendley's Obituary
Darwin Ray Fendley of Dallas, Texas born August 19, 1926 passed away January 12, 2016. Beloved husband and father died January 12, 2016, after an illness of several months. A second generation Dallasite, Darwin was born August 19, 1926. He graduated from Crozier Tech High School and after WWII received his undergraduate degree and masters degree from Southern Methodist University. During WWII, Darwin served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific and later as an officer in the US Navy Reserves. Darwin began his career with the First National Bank in Dallas and advanced through the organization where he became Sr. Vice President, Operations until his retirement in 1986. Recognized as a leader in advanced bank technology and payment process, he was a leader in various industry organizations and became president of the Administrative Management Association. Darwin was a longtime member of Lake Highland Methodist Church and for many years volunteered at the church with service ministries. Also, he was active in the church choir where he was a staple in the bass section of the choir. Darwin’s life time passion for music and singing included 15 years as an active member of the Town North Barbershop Society and Madcaps Quartet. His singing groups were world class performers and National competition winners. With his growing family of three children, Darwin turned his sights to scouting where we became Scoutmaster of the local troop. During his tenure with the scouts he was instrumental in numerous scout camps, scout training and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Perhaps Darwin’s strongest passion was traveling with the family. With three children he traveled to all parts of the United States visiting National Parks and historic places. No location was too far or too difficult to reach with his travels. After retirement he traveled to parts of the world with his wife Betty where they enjoyed visiting places like Russia, Italy and the United Kingdom. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Betty Fendley, his brother Walter Fendley (Jackie), six children; Carol Fendley, Ray Fendley (Tammy), Mary Lou Thompson (Mel), Denise Bettis (Ken), Dana Lehr (Bob), Dennis Chesnutt (Shelly) and 10 grandchildren Jeff Fendley, Meredith Burns (Shane), Megan Thompson, Isabella Fendley, Chris Bettis (Marta), Kendra Bradford (Aaron), Jason Coco (Crystal), Josh Coco, Dalton Chesnutt, Ashley King and Nine Great Grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving and caring family members and treasured friends beyond measure. The visitation for Darwin Fendley will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, January 15, 2016 at Restland Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 16, 2015 at Lake Highland United Methodist Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Lake Highlands United Methodist Church in his honor.
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