Darrell Wayne Kinnard

Darrell grew up on the family farm and ranch just outside of Granbury, Tx. where they raised cattle, pigs, horses, and Angora goats. He grew peanuts, cotton, corn, and grain sorghum. From an early age, he was given the chore of tending to the animals, and he found his calling. He was responsible for dehorning cattle, vaccinations, castrations, and pulling calves, lambs, pigs, and puppies among other things. The small town of Granbury did not have its own veterinarian, so often the school's Ag teacher would provide care for the area's livestock. Many times, he would rely on one of his students for assistance. Young Darrell was more than happy to be pulled out of class to help.

His high school education was primarily shaped in Agricultural Science classes and leadership opportunities through FFA, and through it all, he maintained a vision toward one day becoming a licensed veterinarian.

As a high school senior, his principal, who was also his guidance counselor, met to discuss his plans after graduation. Darrell shared his dream of becoming a veterinarian, but the principal told him he should get a job at the service station, because he was not college material. Darrell looked him in the eye and said, "Thank you sir, but I believe I'll stick to my plan. I like it better." This moment motivated Darrell to accomplish his goals and continued to drive him later in life as he regularly encouraged students to find their passion and pursue it with all their heart.

Darrell enrolled at Tarleton State, where he ran the mile on the track team, until he was involved in a car accident. He transferred to Texas A&M University where he earned his Bachelor's Degrees in Veterinary Science and Agricultural Education, and a Master's Degree in Agricultural Education.

He was an Ag teacher in Weslaco, Tx., where he met and married Jennie Rainwater in 1969. In 1971, he realized his dream of admission into veterinary school and graduated with his DVM in 1974.

After having their first child, while in veterinary school and then working just under 2 years in Corsicana, Darrell and Jennie discovered the small town of Mabank, where they would put down their roots.

Known by most people simply as "Doc", he established a flourishing veterinary practice that served animals ranging from dogs and cats, to cattle, horses, pigs, and even exotic animals like bears, ostriches, and llamas. He invested himself in his profession by serving on the Board of Directors of TVMA and chairing and participating on multiple other legislative committees. He was honored as Food Animal Practitioner of the Year in 1996 and later as General Practitioner of the Year in 2012. He was listed in Who's Who Directory among Professionals, and was a frequent presenter and author of academic lectures and papers.

Doc also devoted his time as an externship trainer for TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine and as a preceptorship teacher for Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University, and Ross University.

Whether veterinary students or high school students, Doc was passionate about mentoring and encouraging those who were looking for direction. His commitment to education led him to serve on the Board of Trustees of Mabank ISD for nearly 40 years.

Despite regularly working long hours Doc believed that if you wanted the community to use your services, you must be willing to participate and give back to your community. In addition to serving on the School Board, Doc also served in the Mabank Chamber of Commerce and Cedar Creek Chamber of Commerce, and Mabank Development Corporation.

He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Mabank for 45 years, where he also served as a Deacon, participated on many committees, and taught classes.

His most cherished roles were with his family. On August 23rd, Doc and Jennie observed their 52nd wedding anniversary. He loved every opportunity to spend time with his children and grandchildren. And he passed away just a few days shy of celebrating his birthday, which he shared with his "favorite birthday present", his sister Sandra, born exactly one year after him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jake O. Kinnard and Ruth McWhorter, and his brother Jake D. Kinnard.

He is survived by his wife, Jennie Rainwater Kinnard; daughter Julie Craighead, grandson Caleb, and granddaughter Carly, of Rockwall; son, Jason Kinnard and his wife Ashley, grandsons Sam, Weston, and Davis, and granddaughter Rylee of College Station; daughter Joanna Owens and her husband Rocky, and grandsons Keaton and Hayes of Dallas; sisters Sandra and husband Floyd Rogers, of Granbury, and Sharon Sadler, of Devine; brother Roy and wife Billie, of Glen Rose; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation for Darrell will be held Friday, September 17, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Eubank Memorial Chapel, 601 St. Hwy. 198 @ Walnut, Mabank, TX. A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Mabank, Mabank, TX. A graveside will occur Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Eubank Cedar Creek Memorial Park, 16701 St. Hwy 198, Mabank, TX.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Doc's honor to Mabank ISD Education Foundation, or to First Baptist Church Mabank Benevolence Fund.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eubankcedarcreek.com for the Kinnard family.