He was a devoted husband, father of two, grandfather of eight, great-grandfather of five and great, great-grandfather of one. He is survived by all except his beloved wife, Bet, of 70 years, who pre-deceased him in 2024.
Darrell was the first of five children born to Marion and Nancy Roberts on April 7, 1934 in Atlanta, Georgia. There, he attended and graduated Brown High School in 1952 and married his high school sweetheart in December of 1953.
He joined the US Air Force armed forces in December of 1952 in which he served both at home and abroad through peacetime and wartime for the next 20 years earning the rank of full major and retiring as an honourable war veteran.
Upon retiring in December of 1972, he move him and his family to Melbourne, Florida and chose to return to school on the GI Bill the following year, earning a bachelor's of science degree in accounting in 1977 from what would become the University of Central Florida.
Soon after, he became the Budget Analyst for the city of Melbourne, where he diligently worked for over ten years and upon retiring once more, was awarded the "key to the city".
Darrell was a faithful follower of Jesus, taught men's Sunday school, served as a deacon and member of his local church and loved the Lord with all his heart for over 50 years.
He loved his family dearly and was devoted to praying for each one daily by name. They were the pride and joy of his life. Daddy (Papa), we will miss you!
A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the Life Event Center of Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 S. US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 AM with an honourable military burial to follow.
