Industry veteran Robert Darby dies at 72

The Distribution Contractors Association (DCA) and the broader underground infrastructure community are mourning the loss of Robert Joseph “Bob” Darby, longtime industry leader and CEO of Darby Equipment Company, who passed away Feb. 10 at the age of 72. 

Born in Tulsa, Okla., Darby spent much of his life rooted in the city and built Darby Equipment Company into a business he viewed as a community as much as an enterprise. Known for valuing relationships over transactions, he developed lasting friendships with customers, employees and industry peers throughout a career closely tied to the drilling and underground construction sectors.

Darby was an active member of DCA for many years and served in several leadership roles, including Junior Associate Member Director for 2012–2013 and Senior Associate Member Director for 2014–2015. He also contributed to numerous committees, including the Associate Member Nominating, Recognition and Strategic Planning committees, as well as multiple scholarship and grant programs supporting workforce development and the next generation of underground infrastructure professionals.

Beyond his industry involvement, Darby supported community and education initiatives through the Ed Darby Foundation, where he participated in programs ranging from music recording sessions with Tulsa students to school chess clubs and holiday outreach. Colleagues remember him as a devoted family man, music enthusiast and outdoorsman whose presence at industry events and community gatherings left a lasting impression across the drilling and trenchless construction community.