A private funeral service celebrating the life of Darius S. Shackleford, 24 of Youngstown, formerly of Newark will be held with Pastor Steven Osborne officiating.  Private burial will be at Newark Memorial Gardens.

Darius passed away tragically February 7, 2021 as the result of an automobile accident in Youngstown.  He was born December 11, 1996 in Newark to Ronald Agin of Newark and Danielle Shackleford of Gahanna.

Darius was a student at Youngstown State University where he was a scholarship wide receiver on the Youngstown State University football team. Darius attended Newark High School from 2011-2015 where he lettered in three varsity sports (Baseball, Basketball and Football). Darius was a beloved Son, Brother, Grandson, Godson, Nephew, Cousin, Friend, Teammate, and Mentor. His bigger than life personality and the light from within could be felt the moment he entered a room. His grandparents must have known something was very special about Darius at the time when they nicknamed him the moniker King Darius from the Bible or KD for short.

In addition to his parents, Darius is survived by his maternal grandparents, Daniel and Marie Shackleford, Sr. of Newark; paternal grandparents, Charlotte Agin of Newark and Randy (Gennie) Agin of Newark; brothers, Devonta F. Shackleford, Dominque T. Shackleford, Tyler Smith, Jordin Agin, Chase Smith and Xavier Agin, all of Newark; sisters, Noel Smith of Columbus and Mila Agin of Newark; uncles, Daniel (Jennifer) Shackleford, Jr., Damian (Rachel) Shackleford, Randy (Heidi) Agin, all of Newark; aunts, D'wan (Derick) Vickroy of Lancaster, Tina Agin-Hollins of Newark; God parents, George and Kim Cross, special God family, Jackie (Cory) Britton, Colten Britton, Mackenzi Britton; Numerous extended family Shackleford, Allen, and Agin; girlfriend, Taylor Bell; special friends, Khayle Woods, Dustin Stoneburner, Kaysey Brokaw, Jordan Dartis, Julian Williams, Jacob Snelling; along with a host of friends and teammates.

Darius was preceded in death by his brother, Cornelius Matthew Shackleford.

Darius will lay in repose in the Newark High School Auditorium, 314 Granville St., Newark on Saturday, February 13, 2021 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Due to pandemic concerns, those in attendance will be screened, must wear face coverings, and will be asked to process socially distanced through the auditorium to pay tribute to Darius.

A special thank you to great uncle Samuel Shackleford for your assistance during this time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Darius S. Shackleford Foundation, P.O. Box 825, Newark, OH 43058-0825.

The Newark Chapel of Vensil & Chute Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.