Darlene Joan (Radek) Durham

Darlene Joan Radek Durham, 84 of Fort Smith, passed peacefully in her home into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. She was born April 8, 1942 in Tacoma, WA to the late Joe F. Radek and Signe Ida Gustafson Radek. She graduated from Baptist High School in Little Rock and received an Associate of Arts Degree from Westark Community College and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Arkansas Tech University, graduating with high honors. She served as the first kindergarten teacher for Fort Smith Christian Schools and went on to primary service at Trusty Elementary in Fort Smith, retiring in 2004. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Smith.

Mrs. Darlene Durham is survived by her son, Frank Durham of Fort Smith, daughter April Durham of Denver, CO, daughter Carol McClain and her husband Jerry of Fort Smith, son-in-law Alie Bahsoon of Orlando, FL, and beloved nephew, Danny Brasher of Fort Smith, who was raised as a son. She is also survived by her sister Beverly Mesler and her husband Roy of Tacoma, WA, her sister Marilyn and her husband Ken of Puyallup, WA, her sister-in-law Shirley Durham of Walls, MS, three grandchildren; Matthew Bahsoon, Lauren Darlene Cassady, and Victoriia McClain, one great-granddaughter Camilla Darlene Cassady, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Franklin Durham and daughter, Darlene Joan (Joanie) Bahsoon.

Darlene’s life was defined by her effervescent and unflappable spirit, and most of all, her boundless love for her Savior Jesus Christ, husband Clarence (her “boyfriend”), her children and their families, as well as the many students she taught through the years.

Darlene’s exceptional life will be celebrated on Monday, April 27, at First Baptist Church Fort Smith with Visitation & Viewing for public in the Main Sanctuary at 1:00 pm and the Celebration of Life Service immediately following at 2:00 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith. The Durham family invites you to join them for these events as we celebrate Darlene’s significant influence on all those she knew and loved. The family will gather for private interment at Oak Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers will be Frank Durham, Danny Brasher, Alie Bahsoon, Matt Bahsoon, Jerry McClain and Jason Cassady.

Public viewing will be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 2026, and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Fort Smith, c/o the Children’s Ministry, P.O. Box 609, Fort Smith, AR 72902, or go to www.fsfbc.org.