Darval J. Burks

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Darval J. Burks, who left this world on July 2, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on March 6, 1934, in Cole Central, LA, Darval was a warm and gentle soul who touched the lives of so many. He spent his life in DeRidder, LA, where he became known not just as a devoted husband and father but also as a man of God who exemplified kindness and compassion.

Darval was blessed to share his life with his loving wife, Betty Burks. Together, they blended their families who will carry on his legacy-his children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews were lucky to have him in their lives. Darval never met a stranger; he welcomed everyone with open arms and a warm smile. His deep faith shone through his actions, as he spent many years serving as a deacon at Wildwood Bible Baptist Church and later as an elder at Broadlands Bible Church.

Hard-working and dedicated, Darval started his career as a salesman at the age of 17. He worked for Mead Bread and Dixie Maid Ice Cream, owned Tom's Food, and was a self-employed distributor. After retiring the first time, he spent 13 years at City Savings Bank before embarking on his second retirement, during which he opened Burks Bargain Barn Resale Shop. There, he continued to make new friends and share his unique warmth with everyone he met.

Darval was passionate about family traditions, enjoying gatherings filled with gospel music and love. He even learned to play the guitar as a teen during his recovery from an illness. His green thumb was well-known too-he loved working in his yard, tending to his plants and flowers, and mowing the lawn.

Darval is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Betty Burks of DeRidder, LA; his daughters, Narcie Kwon of DeRidder, LA, Kathy Poteet and Gerald of DeRidder, LA; bonus children, Sue McKibben and John of DeRidder, LA, Trina Park and Dan of Evans, Dean Jones and Kim of DeRidder, LA; grandchildren, Leslie Skipper, Brad Keel, Melissa Kapolczynski, Jared Poteet, Hayden Poteet, Cory Perego, Casey Perego, Catrina Jones, Dustin Cole, Brandy Manuel, Phillip Jones, Kristen Jones; twenty-one great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Robert and Beulah Burks; siblings, Ara Mae Johnson, Roy T. Burks, Evelyn Isbell, Bobby W. Burks, Joy Pearl Townsley, Shelby Burks.

We invite family and friends to come together to celebrate Darval's life. Public viewings will be held at Broadlands Bible Church on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and again on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM. A funeral service will follow on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM, also at Broadlands Bible Church. Darval will be laid to rest at Hopewell Cemetery following the service. Brother Tim Bergen, Brother Darrel Cline, Brother Dalton Isbell and Brother Aaron Isbell will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Brad Keel, Jared Poteet, Hayden Poteet, Cory Perego, Dustin Cole, Phillip Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Gerald Poteet, Dan Park, John McKibben, Jackie Kwon, Dean Jones.

Darval's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and to know him was to truly love him. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that his family will carry on, forever cherishing the memories of a man who put everyone else first.