Deriell Wilburn Moore

Deriell Wilburn Moore, age 71, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on July 21, 2025. He was born on March 10, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas, to Doris Wilburn (D.W.) and Geraldine Moore. Raised in southeastern Oklahoma, Deriell inherited from his family and elders a love of storytelling, a wry sense of humor, and a reverence for nature that shaped his character throughout his life.

He graduated from Smithville High School in 1972, where he played basketball and was already known for his sharp wit, gift of gab, and adventurous spirit. He went on to study at Murray State College before earning his Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

Deriell began his career in forestry with Weyerhaeuser Timber Company and later transitioned into Human Resources, where he served as HR Manager at facilities spanning three states. Over the years he also served his community as a school board member in Battiest, Oklahoma, and led the youth group at Hatfield First Baptist Church.

Later in life, he raised broilers for Tyson Foods in Hatfield, Arkansas, where he consistently ranked among the top growers and was once named Grower of the Year.

An avid outdoorsman, Deriell was a skilled hunter and fisherman with an uncanny ability to imitate the calls of birds, deer, and other animals. He was also a passionate collector of American Western art, especially the paintings of Charles Marion Russell, and had a lifelong love for classic cars. In middle age and retirement, he began writing creatively—another outlet for his distinct voice and rich imagination—and published an autobiographical short story, “Caught in the Clearing,” in Do South Magazine.

Deriell coined many humorous and colorful expressions that continue to echo through his family and friends. He will be remembered not only for his stories and stunts, but also for his warmth, wit, and deep spiritual sense of wonder.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother, Gladys Fitzgerald Moore.

Deriell is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Tonya Wilkins Moore of the home; his children, Russell Moore of Seoul, South Korea, Skylar Moore-Guerra and husband Pablo Guerra-Monje of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Chelsea Warmack and husband Loren of Barling, Arkansas, and Olivia Schwartz and husband Adam of Greenwood, Arkansas; and his grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher, Katelyn, and Octavia Moore-Guerra, Jensen and Ethen Warmack, and Carter and Finlee Schwartz.

The family wishes to thank, first and foremost, the diligent and compassionate caretakers at Methodist Village Senior Living, who not only performed their duties with great professionalism, but who came to genuinely care for and delight in Deriell’s presence. We are deeply moved by the stories and memories shared with us by his caregivers, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We also wish to thank Edwards Funeral Home and Dignity Memorial for their service, and all the friends and family who have reached out with condolences and remembrances. All are welcome to come and share their memories with us as we celebrate the life of Deriell Moore: woodsman, sportsman, wordsmith, storyteller, stunt-puller, collector, farmer, businessman, husband, father, and child of God.

A memorial service celebrating Deriell’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Visitation will begin one hour prior at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Deriell’s memory by planting a tree through Edward’s memorial program: https://sympathy.teleflora.com/funeral-sympathy-collection/memorial-trees