Darrel graduated from Taft high school in Chicago, IL in 1953, and from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1957. After college, he joined the US Army. Darrel and Helen met in 1964, married in 1968 and raised their daughters Cindy and Susan in and around the city of Chicago. Darrel built an insurance agency in Glenview, calling the town home, until the family moved to Florida in 1990 and eventually settled at The Villages in 1999.

Darrel was an active person. He loved to spend time playing tennis, pingpong, pickleball and cards with his lifelong group of best friends. As a devoted baseball and Cubs fan, Darrel was thrilled to see them finally win the World Series, which was a big celebration within the family. As kids, both his daughters were heavily engaged in sports and activities, and Darrel made sure that he was always there to coach and cheer them on. This continued with his grandsons. Most of all, he loved to joke around and laugh with them. He was a great dad and grandpa, and he always put his family first.

Darrel is survived by his wife, Helen, his two daughters, Cynthia Lynn Jones and Susan Tate Wilberding, his five grandsons: Jaxon, Matthew, Michael, Julian and Zachary, and his sons in law Andy Jones and Beau Wilberding. Darrel's family was his pride and joy. In his last conversation with Helen and his daughters, Darrel was able to share with them how much he loved them, and how much they meant to him.

Darrel was a faithful and committed member of North Lake Presbyterian Church, and he particularly found deep value, both in worship and in joining the men's gatherings there. We will wait for a better time in the near future to gather his many friends and relatives to celebrate Darrel's life. Online condolences can be said at www.baldwincremation.com .