Weldon Lee Darwin, 88, of Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. at Medical City Hospital in Plano, Texas.Weldon was born on April 20, 1938, in Bonham, Texas. 

He was the last living sibling of seven children, carrying with him a lifetime of memories, family traditions, and stories of a generation that meant so much to him.

Weldon proudly served his country in the United States Army Infantry from 1958 to 1962. Following his military service, he built a long and hardworking career as a machinist, first with National Oil Well and later with Arrow Fabrication. He continued working until his retirement in 2021, a testament to his strong work ethic and determination.

Weldon shared many years of marriage with the love of his life, Ruby Katherine Bond Darwin, who preceded him in death. Together, they were members of First Baptist Church in Garland, Texas, where their faith and family were an important part of their lives.

But perhaps Weldon’s greatest legacy was found in being a father, grandfather, and coach.

He loved coaching his sons in baseball and spent countless years coaching not only his boys, but also many of his nephews and neighborhood kids. He was the kind of coach who believed in teaching kids to work hard, be tough, and never give up. His familiar words from the pitching mound—“Rock & fire!”—became part of the family vocabulary. During football games, he could always be counted on to remind his boys to “suck it up.”

Weldon had a special way of bringing the neighborhood kids together. He drove an old Chevrolet pickup with a camper shell and a mattress in the back, loading up the neighborhood baseball players and taking them to practice. Before long, the sound of his Oga Horn would announce his arrival, letting everyone know it was time to head to the ball field. Those memories became treasured pieces of childhood for countless kids who knew him as Coach Darwin.

Outside of work and coaching, Weldon enjoyed fishing, hunting, and coin collecting. He appreciated the simple things in life and found joy in spending time outdoors, collecting coins, and, most importantly, being surrounded by family.

Weldon is survived by his sons, Weldon Keith Darwin and wife Angela of Boyd, Texas, and Eric Kyle Darwin and wife Casey of Royse City, Texas.

He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Kellea Darwin of Plano, Texas; Ashley Hill and husband Randy of Abilene, Texas; Kyle Darwin and wife Nicole of Irving, Texas; Michael Darwin and wife Leah of Irving, Texas; Cooper Martin of Graham, Texas; and Hunter Martin of Boyd, Texas. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Chelsea Moore of Caddo Mills, Texas.

He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Clay Hill, Cody Hill, Cara Hill, Trip Darwin, Lucy Darwin, and Abigail Darwin, who will carry his memory forward for generations to come.

Weldon’s life was defined by family, faith, hard work, service, and a love for helping young people find their way. He was a coach, a mentor, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. His lessons reached far beyond the baseball field: work hard, be tough, keep going, and never give up.

The sound of his Oga Horn may have gone quiet, but the memories of the man behind it will live on in the hearts of all those who heard it.

“Rock & fire!”

Rest easy, Coach Darwin. Your work here is done.