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BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - Darrell Lynn Railsback, 55, died Wednesday, May 15, 2002.
Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. today in First United Methodist Church of Bartlesville with Dr. Paul Bowles officiating. Burial will be Tuesday in Llano Cemetery of Amarillo by Walker-Brown Funeral Home.
Mr. Railsback was born Aug. 20, 1946, in Phillips, Texas. He completed his primary and secondary education there. He later attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas where he graduated in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He served in the Air Force from 1968 to 1974 attaining the rank of captain.
He married the love of his life, Hariet McCall, on Dec. 27, 1969. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, they moved to Bartlesville where he joined Phillips Petroleum Co. as a writer in the public affairs department. Over the next 28 years, he helped articulate the company's position on a number of difficult and complex issues.
He especially loved working with young employees on the staff. He enjoyed encouraging, mentoring and helping them develop their talent. At the time of his death, he was responsible for the company's printed publications, including PhilNews, Phillip's monthly employee newspaper, and the annual and mid-year shareholder reports.
Under his direction, Phillips' annual reports were rated among the top 10 in the world and PhilNews consistently received outside recognition for excellence in writing and content. Among his colleagues, he was recognized not only for being a gifted writer and editor, but also for his knowledge of, and commitment to, Phillips.
A second generation Phillips employee, he took pride in the company's rich history and was anxious to be a part of its future, looking forward to joining the new Conoco Phillips. A gentle man, he could be a fierce competitor, especially on the basketball court, where he would join friends in a lively game over the noon hour.
Mostly though, he was a man of intellect and curiosity. An avid reader, he was a scholar of history and social commentary, though no subject was as dear to him as the Christian faith. In his office, among his large collection of books on business and writing was The NIV Study Bible.
In the final months of his life, hospital staff and friends would sit at his bedside and read to him from his small, well-worn copy of the New Testament or The Prayer of Jabez. He was a very active member of First United Methodist Church in Bartlesville, participating in the Evangelism Committee, Youth Council and Asbury Sunday school class.
He also taught a high school Sunday school class and several Disciples Bible Study Classes. In the company of friends, he often described his illness as "a journey of faith" one he prayed would make him a stronger and better person. However, it was to be his courage and faith, both in health and sickness, that would be the source of inspiration and strength to others.
Certainly, few people have demonstrated the vows of love and commitment as completely as he. In the evenings, as visitors would leave his hospital room, his final words were always the same, "God bless you. I love you." The feelings were reciprocated. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell C. and Marvel Railsback.
Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Lorraine Marie Railsback of Norman; a son, Capt. Darrell Clifton Railsback of Albuquerque, N.M.; two brothers, Jan Railsback of Houston and Tom Railsback of Dallas; a nephew, Christian Railsback of Gunnison, Colo.; and a niece, Chelsea Railsback of Dallas.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be to First United Methodist Church to establish a college scholarship fund in Lynn's name.
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