Let's Welcome Chief Justice Richard Darby,
A little about him:
Richard Darby was born in 1958 and raised in Duke, Oklahoma. He attended Duke High School and was a member of the Duke Tigers basketball and baseball teams. After graduation, Darby enrolled at Western Oklahoma State College. He recalls fondly the instructors at Western who began to shape his educational journey and credits Western for the opportunities that it offers to students in southwest Oklahoma. Darby went on to continue his education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he received a B.A. in political science. In 1984, Darby received his law degree from the University of Oklahoma and spent time practicing law in Altus before beginning his judicial career. Appointed by Governor Mary Fallin in April of 2018, to serve as Justice for the Oklahoma Supreme Court, Justice Darby serves District Nine, which is located in southwest Oklahoma. Justice Darby previously spent a total of twenty-three years as a district judge for the Third Judicial District, which includes five of Altus’ surrounding counties. First as Special Judge for four years, then Associate District Judge for four years, Darby has now proudly served the Oklahoma judicial branch for over thirty years. Darby is married to Dr. Dana Darby, Head of School at Altus Christian Academy. They have two sons Ben and Jonathan. Darby is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Altus where he has taught Sunday school for more than twenty years. He is a prior President of the Altus Rotary Club, Rotarian of the Year, and Oklahoma Court Reporters Association Judge of the Year. The WOSC Alumni Hall of Fame, established in 1996, recognizes and honors Altus Junior College and Western Oklahoma State College alumni who, through leadership, character and hard work, have made exceptional contributions in their field, in their community, and at WOSC. This is the 25th year the Alumni Association has bestowed this honor.
