Darden Glenn Jacob, 91, a lifelong Texan passed away on Thursday afternoon the 28th of May 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born on the 23rd of June 1934 in Fannin, TX to the late Victor H. and Nelda Waitschies Jacob.
Darden moved from Fannin to Victoria at an early age and as a youngster he already had developed a love and passion for horses. In the evening he would take his stick horse and put it in the corral behind the house before bed.
Graduating from Patti Welder High School he furthered his education with a two-year degree from Victoria College.
The trajectory of Darden’s life unexpectedly changed one day as two stars aligned in 1958 at a rodeo where Darden met Mary Louise Chamberlain of San Antonio and on the 2nd of August 1958 they were married. They shared 67 years together.
Following his yearning to the outdoors and horses, Darden worked in the summers at the Hancock Ranch where during the day they would work cattle and build fences and in the evening ranch hands would practice calf roping. Moving on he worked for O’Connor Brahman Ranches showing horses throughout the state. With his knowledge he was asked to judge horse shows and was named the Director of Texas Youth Rodeo Association (TYRA).
Darden’s accolades include working for the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raises Association at which time he was commissioned as a Special Texas Ranger working nine counties. No matter where he was, or what he was doing, he was a man of wit, wisdom and knowledge, so much so that the Sheriffs in these nine counties would call on him when they had “situations”. Long after Darden’s retirement he was still called upon for his expertise in the field.
Darden passed his love of horses on to his sons, teaching them to ride and rope. He traveled all over South Texas to the youth rodeos and shared his tips with kids on riding and roping.
Darden participated in the Peace Officers Rodeo and won several State Championships.
In his spare time he was very involved with his own ranch and cattle He loved family gatherings, playing dominos and spending time with his kids and grandkids.
The world has lost a kind-hearted man, we have lost our husband, father, and grandfather. Darden is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Chamberlain Jacob; son, Dennis Jacob and wife, Bridget; grandchildren, Lacey Bengs and husband, Brent, Dawson Jacob and fiance’, Emily, Bridey Jacob, Payden Jacob and Macey; great-grandchildren, Bonner and Bennett Bengs and brother, Staton Jacob.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Marty Glenn Jacob; sister, Nelda Jean Jacob and brother, Lelon Jacob.
His memory lives on in his children, his extended family, the countless friends and colleagues who were privileged to have known him.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation on Wednesday the 3rd of June from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the eve at Rosewood Funeral Chapel.
Funeral Services will be Thursday the 4th of June at eleven o’clock in the morning at First English Lutheran Church where he was a member for many years. Pastor Chip Reynolds will officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in Felger Hall.
The interment will be at two o’clock in the afternoon at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Dawson Jacob, Payden Jacob, Brent Bengs, Eric Scott, Morgan Miller, Rex Mays, Jeff Meyer and Earl John Dietze.
Honorary pallbearers are Lacey Bengs, Bridey Jacob, Wayne Marshall, Roger Williams, Robin Clark and Hap Roberts.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to First English Lutheran Church or Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center of Compassion.
The family would like to thank his devoted caregivers Amanda Eagle, Dalaina Childs, Jeannette Chapa and Lakacia Hargrove. Darden’s family is deeply grateful for the peace and comfort he received from his niece Shela Riley.
Darden will always be remembered as a trailblazer in his field, a man of extraordinary kindness, and a true embodiment of the Texas spirt. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the lasting impact of his work. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com
