Darrell Lee Wilson

He was born on May 2, 1942 to parents George and Dorothy Wilson in Lima, Ohio. Darrell graduated from Lima Senior High School before completing some coursework at Santa Ana College in California. He served in Vietnam in the United States Army where he took on roles as a Radio Operator and later as a Door Gunner. An expert marksman, he earned the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic service.

After being honorably discharged, he went on to have three children, Lisa, Darrell, and Aaron. Darrell spent nearly 15 years working at Boeing as a Quality Engineer and later as a supervisor.

Darrell enjoyed watching the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Los Angeles Angels. He also enjoyed coaching the youth at the local bowling alley. He would go to Vegas with his daughter Lisa, go shooting and fishing with his son Darrell, and collect sports cards and watch sports with his son Aaron. He also loved his “grandpup” Nemo.

Although Darrell had simple interests, he had a larger-than-life personality. He was funny, caring, family-oriented, prideful, and extremely stubborn. His son Aaron and his daughter-in-law Karen would joke that he passed his stubbornness down to his kids.

Nothing made Darrell happier than spending time with family. He will be remembered as a man that always put family first and believed in doing what was right. His legacy will have an impact on generations to come.

Darrell is survived by his children: Lisa, Darrell and Aaron; grandchildren: Mark, Nick, Evanston, Cheyenne, and Ethan; great-granddaughter Audrey, as well as his sister Joanne and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father George, his mother Dorothy, his brother Richard, and his sister Linda.

We want to sincerely thank everyone that has ever had an impact on Darrell’s life. He was a fighter that made it through many trials and tribulations, but always came out on top. He would not have been able to do it without the love and support of those around him.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 16 at Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary in Santa Ana, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the American Lung Association.

Dad, we miss you. We love you. We will see you again one day.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller