By Doug Spencer
Posted: Updated:
12 Comments

Darrell Gene Troyer, 83, of West Salem, Illinois passed Sunday, March 10, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 17, 1940 in Golden Gate, Illinois. He was the son of Elsie (Gillard) Troyer and Herschel Troyer.

Darrell served in the United States Military from 1964-1966 at the Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri army base as a cook.

He was united in marriage to Sharon Powell on February 4, 1967. Together they shared 57 years of marriage.

Darrell graduated from Edwards County Senior High School in Albion in 1958. He worked for Highsmith & Company out of St. Francisville, Illinois building gas stations in several different states. He also worked for George Koch & Sons out of Evansville, Indiana as a sheet metal worker. He worked in Olney, Illinois in construction and helped build the Olney Central College. He also worked at Champion Laboratories as a Tool & Die maker, retiring after 34 years.

In Darrell’s retirement years, he spent many hours dedicated to the history of the area and genealogy of family and friends. Darrell loved sharing his findings with others. In his final months, Darrell shared his love for his Lord and was able to bless and be a blessing to many friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Troyer; two daughters Dana Shantel (Kyle) Taylor of Mill Shoals, Illinois and Trina LeAnn Troyer of Fairfield, Illinois; as well as several nephews and nieces.

Darrell was preceded in death by his mother, father and sister, Joyce Boldrey; and his beloved grandmother Clara Gillard.

Graveside Memorial Services for Darrell Troyer will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the McKendree Cemetery in Wayne County, Illinois with Mike Rucker officiating and a military service at the graveside.

    • Service

      Saturday, March 23, 2024
      1:00 p.m.
      McKendree Cemetery in Wayne County, Illinois
      Military service at the graveside

      Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

      12 Condolences
       
      1. Janice L. Davis / March 15, 2024 at 6:13 pm

        Darrell my cousin was a wonderful man. Upbeat, Precious.
        His love and passion for family genealogy was ongoing for years. Such vast information. He loved people. Had a easy way about him.
        Loved his family.
        Prayers for beloved wife Sharon, daughters and all family.
        Your voice Darrell will be missed, No more calls here on earth.
        i love you.
        May the Lord bless Sharon , girls, all family thru passing days with peace and comfort.
        And with beautiful memories of his life, with all.
        Darrell finished the race. Your trials are over. Praise the Lord for your life: time with us .
        I will see you and Jesus someday.

      2. Glenna Hunley / March 15, 2024 at 11:51 pm

        Sharon and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Deepest Sympathy for you all. He was a good friend and will be missed. Hugs for you all.

      3. Ron & Joyce Gawthorp / March 16, 2024 at 6:09 am

        Sharon, God Bless you and your family. Having spent a lot of time at Elsie and Herschel’s service station in our early years, I got to know the whole family and it was always a big deal when Darrell came in for visits. Everyone enjoyed him and his parents kept all their customers informed of his progress and adventures in the world outside West Salem. They were a great family and I am sure they were glad he could join them in Heaven. We wish you the very best in your days of sorrow.

      4. Phyllis Gill / March 16, 2024 at 7:50 am

        Sharon I am so sorry to hear about your husband. You have my sympathy.

      5. Donna Shipley / March 16, 2024 at 12:10 pm

        So sorry for your family’s and your loss. Donna Daugherity Shipley

      6. Leslie Luthe / March 16, 2024 at 7:14 pm

        Sharon and girls, those who knew Darrell were blessed by his quiet, soft spoken manner and kind heart. He was an amazing and intelligent man. He will be missed by the many people who called him family and friend. My prayers are with you all in the coming days. Even if you’ve had time to “prepare” for his passing, the emptiness of his chair, his bed and his table will still be felt forever. May God hold you close as you and the girls hold each other close.
        Love and prayers, Leslie Luthe.

      7. Stacy E. Gillard / March 16, 2024 at 10:30 pm

        Darrell Gene Troyer was my cousin. When I was young he was always known as Darrell Gene, and that’s how I still think of him. He was several years older than me, being as close to my dad’s generation as my own. One of my earliest memories of Darrell was him, already grown, at the back porch of our house, helping my dad. He did plumbing and knew many things. I admit I saw him as a fun and interesting character. He was someone special.
        In more recent years he would take me around the countryside when I was on visits back to Edwards County and answer my questions about people, places and events from the past. He had taken up genealogy and seemed to have an encyclopedic knowledge of many families, telling me how I was related to various people. His outlook made him seem younger than his years. I was lucky enough to visit Sharon and Darrell recently. It’s a memory I will cherish.

        My heart goes out to Sharon and her family. I wish them love and comfort in pleasant memories and the knowledge people are thinking of them and Darrell.

      8. Irv Lewis / March 17, 2024 at 8:00 am

        Patsy troyer Lewis will miss all the updates and pictures from Daryl Our love goes out to the family

      9. Kathie Hill / March 17, 2024 at 9:51 pm

        I also sorry to hear of Darrell’s passing. My husband Rob Hill and I worked with Darrell, in the tool room at Champion Labs for several years. Darrell was the commander of the surface grinders and was never idle. He shared his wisdom to guide new workers and was well liked by his fellow workers. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

      10. Curtis Ingram / March 18, 2024 at 4:03 pm

        Sorry to hear of Darrell’s passing.He was very special to the entire community.
        You have our sympathy.
        Curtis & Dolores Ingram

      11. Debra Couch / March 19, 2024 at 8:45 am

        So very sorry to hear of Darrells passing. May the Lord be with all the family.

      12. Ashley Tucker / March 22, 2024 at 10:05 am

        My thoughts and prayers are with you. So very sorry for your loss.

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