Darrel was born in Springfield on September 23, 1944, the son of John L. and Evelyn M. (Dewitt) Balmer. He married Pamela J. Welch on July 1, 1983, in Springfield.
Darrel attended Springfield High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines for four years. He worked for the Illinois Department of Public Aid and retired from the State of Illinois Department of Public Health where he was an Administrator. Darrel was an excellent cook for his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela; daughter, Ann Marie (Richard) Hohman of Lakewood Ranch, FL; son, Craig Alan Balmer (partner, Alan Almasy) of Chicago; and brother, Gary David Balmer of Springfield.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Private family services will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield YMCA, 701 S. 4th St., Springfield, IL 62703 or Central Illinois Food Bank, Attn: Cassie Veach, P.O. Box 8228, Springfield, IL 62791.
