Richard was born on April 25, 1952 in Clinton, Oklahoma. He was the son of Liamore Norton Darby and Elsie Viva (Alexander) Darby. In 1974, he received a B.S. of Arts degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, with a major in Speech Theatre and a minor in Art. He spent many years teaching children's theatre. However, in recent years, his health prevented him from continuing in that line of work. Richard's biggest legacy is the countless number of children whom he touched and mentored during his teaching career. He was the founder, owner and operator of the first children's musical theatre and acting school in Oklahoma City. It was called Kandid Kids Theatre Centre. Those who knew him, know that Richard lives on through all his Kandid Kids performing around the world. He is survived by his nephew, Gunnar Roberts and his wife, Jennifer; niece, Ashleigh Roberts; uncle, Harold Alexander and his wife, Larue; cousins, Jack Alexander and his wife, Kristine, Terry Alexander and his wife, Loretta, Jeff Alexander and his wife, Kristin, Luann Alexander, and Craig Alexander and his wife, Sharon; and good friends, Bill Pendley and Camden Campbell, Ted Campbell, Jane Campbell and Leeta Harris. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and Norton Darby; and his sister, Deb (Darby) Harris.