Darrel Wayne Spicer

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W Powell Blvd, Gresham, Oregon 97030, on September 12, 2026, at 11:00 am.

Darrel W. Spicer, 86, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, in Gresham, Oregon, at the care facility where he had resided for the past year and a half.

Darrel was born September 25, 1939, in Terlton, Oklahoma, to Paul and Ruth Spicer. He is preceeded in death by two sisters, Phylis Jean of Oklahoma and Shirley Pavolka of Browns Point, WA. He was born during the difficult years following the Great Depression and just before World War II. Raised by a single mother during challenging times, those early years forged in Darrel a determination, strength, and passion that would serve him throughout his life.

In 1964, Darrel married the love of his life, Mary Lou, beginning a marriage that would span 62 years. Shortly after their marriage, Darrel moved his young family from California to Portland, Oregon. He and Mary Lou made their home in East County, where they remained for the rest of their lives together.

In 1975, faced with the need to make a career change, Darrel made a decision that would ultimately influence three generations of his family. He acquired the rights to Stan The Hot Water Man, founded by Stan Lackey, becoming its owner and operator. What began as a career change grew into a lasting family legacy. Darrel operated the business until 1998, when he sold it to his son, Michael. Under Michael's leadership, the business has grown to heights Darrel could never have imagined, while carrying forward the foundation and values his father established. Darrel remained involved and active in the business for many years, finally retiring in 2023 as his health began to require more of his attention.

Family was at the center of Darrel's life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Lou Spicer; his sons, James Spicer and Michael Spicer; his five grandsons, Justin, Andrew, Ian, Alexander, and Austin; and his five great-grandchildren.

Darrel's Christian faith was another defining part of his life. His strong biblical faith carried him through the many decades of his life and was a gift he intentionally passed down to his sons and grandsons. That faith was reflected not only in what he believed, but in how he lived. He was generous, focused, dependable, and always willing to be there for the people he loved.

One of Darrel's greatest joys in later years was watching his grandsons participate in sports. He could be counted on to be in the stands, proudly supporting them and cheering them on. His dedication to his family was something they could always depend upon.

Darrel was also active throughout his life. As a young man, he enjoyed golf and basketball, and later in life he found great enjoyment in camping with Mary Lou in their Camp Trailer. Those camping trips brought not only wonderful memories with his wife, but also many friendships. He especially valued the friends he made through the Gresham Elks, where he remained an active participant until shortly before his passing.

Darrel's life was one of perseverance, faith, family, hard work, and generosity. From humble beginnings in Oklahoma, he built a life centered around the people he loved and created a family business legacy that continues into another generation.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His greatest legacy, however, will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the values he instilled in them.

Rest in peace, Dad. Your work here is done, but your legacy lives on.