Darold Leroy Stidham

DAROLD LEROY STIDHAM Darold Leroy Stidham, age 66, passed away February 1, 2020, at his home in Mesquite, Texas. He was born May 16, 1953, in Paragould, AR, to Bobby Leroy Stidham and Peggy Ann Johnson Stidham.The family moved to Texas in the 60s, and Darold later attended R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton. Darold’s ability to talk with anyone led him into sales and the customer service fields.From tools, to restaurant management, to insurance sales, all helped him to eventually start his own business as a commercial/residential painting contractor since the late 80s. Darold loved music, especially country, and played the guitar all his life.His passion for sports, cars, trucks, and boats, especially fast ones, led him to race drag boats in many Southern Drag Boat Association events during the 80s.Later in life his passion turned to horses, and cared for several over the years to this day. In 1979, Darold married Gloria Dean Harrison, and they moved into their new home in Mesquite.Their son, Cody Lee Stidham, was born in 1987 and became their whole world. When Cody was old enough, Darold bought him a horse, “Little Bit”, that was more like a pet to them.Darold’s passion for sports led him to help coach many of Cody’s baseball teams over the years, and he continued to always cheer Cody on in every sport he competed in. They share a love for the “Dallas Cowboys” to this day. He remained a proud Dad through all his son’s accomplishments in sports and in life. Darold is survived by his son: Cody Stidham of Dallas, TX; mother: Peggy Reynolds Young of Chico, CA; sisters: Debbie McDonald of Colton, OR, and Sandy Stidham of Chico, CA; brothers:Marty Stidham of Chico, CA,Bobby Stidham of Chico, CA, Bill Stidham of Winnsboro, SC, and Robert Stidham of Taos, New Mexico; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, in-laws, extended family, and close friends. Services will be at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at New Hope Funeral Home Chapel, 500 E. Highway 80, Sunnyvale, TX. A gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 10:00 am until service time.A short cemetery service at Long Creek Cemetery, Sunnyvale follows service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association https://www2.heart.org/ and American Diabetes Foundation https://www.diabetes.org/.