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Darrell "Big D" Eugene Reckart, 86, a resident of Elkins, West Virginia, departed this life on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Elkins Rehabilitation and Care Center under the care of Mountain Hospice.
He was born Sunday, May 2, 1937, at Turner Douglas, West Virginia, a son of the late Fuller and Merle Summers Reckart.
On May 29, 1965, he married Sharron Ilene Arbogast, who survives.
Also surviving are one son, Todd E. Reckart and wife, Patti, of Elkins; and one daughter, Regina "Susie" Reckart-Martin and husband, Todd.
Also surviving is one brother, Delmas Dale Reckart and wife, Donna, of Elkins; and five sisters, Alberta Jean Sonnemann of Sykesville, Maryland, Florence "Sis" Friend of Thomas, West Virginia, Gloria "Peach" Foy of Chester, Virginia, JoAnne "Tudy" Reckart of Elkins and Nancy Bennett and husband, Rick, of Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Also surviving are four grandchildren, Chase and Macy Reckart, and Hallie and Tessa Martin, all of Elkins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Willard "Bud" Reckart and Robert "Bob" Reckart; and five sisters, Virginia Roy, Hazel Noyes, Opal Roy, Edna Shaffer and Kayron Reckart.
He was a graduate of Terra Alta High School with the class of 1956. He immediately went to work in Oakland, Maryland, for the A&P Tea Company for one year. Afterwards, he worked for Clem Teets Oil Company for two years, then onto the Teets Equipment Company for four years. At the age of 26 he decided to spread his wings and start his own business. In the spring of 1963, Darrell moved to Elkins, West Virginia, and became self-employed. He opened the doors of Reckart Sawmill Equipment Company with only two employees, a secretary and himself. After one year, Darrell hired Sharron I. Arbogast, who later became his wife. In the year of 1972, Darrell had outgrown his current building and purchased four acres of land on Route 219 South. To which he renamed his business Reckart Equipment Company, Inc., as well as opening a second location in Shippenville, Pennsylvania, with 35 people employed.
By 1986, Darrell had purchased another new location in the Bata Shoe Company plant in Beverly, West Virginia, along with the expansion of three other stores on the east coast. With sales covering more than seven states, his employee population increased to 60. The birth of the company in 1963 became a 49-year-old tradition.
Besides being an entrepreneur, Darrell was on the board of Directors at Davis Trust Company from 1976 to 2011. He was also awarded Businessman of the Year in the 1970s. He also graduated from the University of Hard Knocks in June 1996. He was a member of the U. S. Army Reserves at Kingwood and the Terra Alta Lodge 106 A.F. & A.M Masonic Lodge.
Darrell was a determined businessman ever since the day he tried. He even used his fishing pole for collateral to start his dream – his own business. Darrell loved long walks with his dogs in the woods, cutting trees, working and playing cornhole. He loved the woods and was always happiest when he was in them. He was a hard worker all his life and he dearly loved his family and his grandchildren. His kids and grandchildren were his pride and joy.
A private family gathering will be held with interment at the Maplewood Cemetery at Elkins, West Virginia.
The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to Mountain Hospice, 1600 South Crim Avenue, Belington, WV 26250 or to the Randolph County Humane Society, P. O. Box 785, Elkins, WV 26241. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Darrell "Big D" Eugene Reckart.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.