Washington Co. - Obit for Darrell Lynn Railsback R421

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Obit for Darrell Lynn Railsback

Darrell Lynn Railsback

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.

Amarillo Globe-News, May 19, 2002