Darrell D. Willrath

Friends and Family are invited to a public Celebration of Life in honor of Darrell Willrath, being held on Saturday, June 25th, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, at American Legion Post #210, lower level, 2510 State Route 703, Celina.

Darrell D. Willrath, age 74, of Celina, passed away May 26, 2022, at the EverHeart Hospice Care Center in Greenville.

He was born November 9, 1947, in Celina, to the late Urban and Marie (Soerhoff) Willrath.

Darrell and Nancy Behm were married on October 17, 1970, and she survives, along with their sons: Chad (Traci) Willrath and Scott (Brooke) Willrath of Celina, six grandchildren: Kyle, Ashley, Rianne, Chase, Torrance and Taryn, two great grandchildren, his brother, Larry Willrath of Yukon, OK, sister-in-law, Sylvia (Stan) Gage of Cutler, OH, brother-in-law, Denis (Chris) Behm of Loveland, OH, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death was a sister-in-law, Paula Willrath.

Darrell was a 1966 Celina High School graduate.  He served with the U.S. Army from 1967-1969, stationed in Vietnam from 1968-1969.  Darrell was an Army Maintenance  Crew Chief with the 183rd Reconnaissance Airplane Company.

From 1970 through 1996, Darrell served as a Firefighter and EMT with the Celina Fire Department.  After his service with the department, Darrell then worked in maintenance at the Mercer County Courthouse, retiring after several years.

Darrell was a board member with the Mercer County Veterans Service Commission for 10 years, and a member of Celina VFW Post #5713, American Legion Post #210, Eagles Aerie #1291, and Moose Lodge #1473.

One of his favorite pastimes was working as a photographer at Eldora and Winchester Speedways.  Most of all, Darrell really enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, and taking care of his yard.               

In Darrell's honor, Memorial Contributions may be made to The Celina Fire Department.

Private Graveside Services were held for Darrell on June 4th at Buck Cemetery, near Celina, with Rev. Richard Van Horn presiding. Military Rites were conducted by members of Celina VFW Post #5713 and American Legion Post #210. The funeral procession was escorted by the Celina Police Department, Celina Fire Department and EMS, and the Mercer County Sheriff's Office. The Mercer County Firefighter's Honor Guard and Celina Fire Department personnel participated, with Steve Koesters serving as Pallbearer, Steve Wurster as flag bearer, and Barry Fennig shared the Fireman's Prayer.  Darrell's grandchildren: Kyle, Ashley, Rianne, Chase, Torrance and Taryn, acted as Honorary Pallbearers. 

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