Thursday, February 6, 2025

Wilson, Darrel

Posted

Darrel Lloyd Wilson was born April 8, 1944 to Henry Keith Wilson and Mary Lou Wilson of Wild Rose, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home, January 13, 2025 in Waupaca, WI. Darrel was the 3rd child of 5. Darrel has three brothers still living: Mike, Brian and Calvin. His sister, Brenda, preceded him in death and also his parents.

Darrel attended Wild Rose School and was active in the band where he played the tuba. He was also in choir and played football, which he loved.

After high school, he attended Teachers College in Wautoma until the Cuban Missile Crisis. Then he joined the United States Air Force. After basic training, he was stationed in Albany, Georgia. He was then stationed to the South Pacific and Ethiopia on a 6 month duty serving as a Station Commander on a secret mission for the US Missile Program.

He married Sharon Harris on January 4, 1964 while in the service. He had his only son, Duane, on January 12, 1965. Darrel and Sharon adopted a 6 year old girl, Heidi, in 1973 to complete their family.

Darrel and Sharon were youth counselors at FIrst Baptist along with BIll & Janet Powell for several years. Darrel was the girls volleyball coach and also did refereeing for the boys basketball team.

Darrel joined the First Baptist choir under the leadership of David Morey. A quartet was formed of 4 men: David & Lee Morey, Jim Miller and Darrel. A true bond was felt by all 4 men.

In 1981, Darrel and Sharon moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Heidi and Duane went to a Christian school there. Darrel started refereeing for some public schools and started a Christian Refereeing League for the Christian schools.

The musical group, His Messengers, was formed with a group from Darrel’s church, Apollo Baptist, and another quartet from another church. His Messengers performed at many churches, nursing homes, retirement homes, mobile home parks and wherever the Lord led them. The group sang together for over 18 years and are still active today.

Darrel has 2 children, Duane (Adrienne) and Heidi. 6 grandchildren, Serena (Nick), Kameron (Kacy), Kyle, Diego (Vianney) and Reagan and Lincoln. He also has 4 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brooke, Matthias and Colton.

Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 7, 2025. Visitation from 10am-11am and Service from 11am-Noon. Reception following. First Baptist Church 1500 Roman Road, Waupaca, WI. Graveside interment to be in the spring.