Darvel Green

Darvel Lee Green, 76, of Thatcher, AZ passed away peacefully with his wife, Velda, the love of his life by his side on August 16, 2024. He was born September 18, 1947, in Superior, AZ to Carl Leeman and Ruby Phillips Green.

The family moved to Thatcher when he was two years old, where he spent his growing-up years. He graduated from Thatcher High School in 1965, finishing with a perfect attendance record; never missing a day of school for 12 years straight. This dedication to showing up, learned while he was young, would pave the way for a lifetime of loyalty to his family, his faith, and his community.

Following graduation, he served a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northwestern States Mission. Darvel and Velda met at a dance the week before his departure; the two became instant true friends and he asked her to write him while he was away. They exchanged letters without fail every week for 2 years. They were sealed in marriage on January 24, 1969, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they are the parents of 11 children.

He had a love for horses, woodworking, gardening, and camping outdoors. He was a friend to all, never knew a stranger, and enjoyed storytelling to his kids and grandkids. He lived a life of service to his family, friends, neighbors, and within the church.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, 2 brothers: Eddie & Richard, and a beloved sister Geneva Luster. He is survived by his wife Velda of 55 years, 3 brothers; Joe (Connie), Jeff (Jody), and Danny (Marcie); 2 sisters Catherine Bigler (Ray) and Carla Grover (Larry). His children: Loren (Nancy), Leea, John (Debbie), Kenny (Lee), Van (Beth), Lynaya (Ky) Sanders, Farrel (Laree), Keighty (Jordan) Larson, Jeremy (Addie), Kara, and Elyssa (Bryan) Green. He is also survived by his 57 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 23rd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel located at 112 E Main Street, Safford, AZ, 85546, and on Saturday, August 24th, at 9:00 AM at the Temple View Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5291 W Highway 70, Central, AZ, 85531. Funeral services for Darvel will be conducted on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10 AM at the Temple View Chapel. Concluding services will follow in the Central Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory.