Darrell Leroy Wilson

Darrell Leroy Wilson, of Glendale, Arizona passed away peacefully with loved ones at his side on Monday, June 22, 2015 at the age of 79. He passed while being cared for by the professional and caring staff of Hospice of the Valley Palliative Care in Surprise, Arizona.

Darrell, affectionately known to his family and loved ones, as “Willie” was born to Hugh and Celia Wilson in Marion, Indiana on October 7, 1935 and lived most of his life in Indiana and Arizona.

Willie loved fishing, hunting, camping, boating, swimming and traveling. One of his favorite adventures was traveling to Africa where he made friends with not only the people there, but with the animals such as Simba the baby lion cub who adopted Willie as his personal friend, demanding attention from him and the Kudu who sought tootsie rolls from Willie. His trips to Australia, New Zealand and the islands of Hawaii were also some of the highlights of his travel.

He served in the United States Navy and worked at Garrett/Air Research which is now Honeywell.

Darrell is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Ada (Turner) Wilson of Glendale, Arizona, son David (and wife Brenda) of Surprise, Arizona, one Granddaughter, Stacey Montijo (and husband Oscar) of Phoenix, Arizona and one Great Granddaughter, Hayden Lozano, of Phoenix, Arizona.

He is also survived by two brothers, Hugh of Mt. Etna, Indiana (and wife Donna), Loren of Phoenix, Arizona (and wife Karen) and one sister, Lewanna Cook of Marion, Indiana (late husband Jack); as well as many nephews & nieces.

His best friend and loyal companion, is an Australian cattle dog named Bailey and they spent many hours together.

Services are to be held at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church at 4455 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, Arizona, on Friday, June 26, 2015, beginning with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and followed by the funeral services at 11:00 a.m. There is a reception to follow at the church.

Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary are handling the funeral arrangements.

The family is requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Willie’s favorite charitable destinations: Spirit of Hope Methodist Church at 14403 North 75th Avenue, Peoria, Arizona 85381; Paradise Valley United Methodist Church at 4455 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, Arizona; or the Hospice of the Valley Palliative Care Unit at 14066 West Waddell, Surprise, Arizona 85379.

The family would like to thank all of the family, friends and loved ones for their care and support during this difficult time. And, a special thank you to Hospice of the Valley and particularly to all the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Hospice of the Valley Palliative Care Unit in Surprise, Arizona.

Darrell will forever be remembered as a loving and kind person to all who knew him.