Darrel D. Smits

Marion- Darrel Dean Smits, age 82, of Marion, passed away at 10:30pm on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Parkway Manor Nursing Home in Marion. Darrel was born in Corsica, South Dakota on December 14, 1934, the son of Theodore Herman and Fanny (DeVris) Smits. He married Ramona P. Ikast on September 9, 1955 in Brookings, South Dakota. She preceded him in death on June 26, 2006. Together, they shared over fifty years of marriage. Mr. Smits was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion. He was a proud navigator in the United States Air Force National Guard. Darrel graduated from South Dakota State University. He had worked as a gas engineer supervisor with CIPS, retiring in 1996. Survivors include his son- David Darrel (Kathy) Smits of Marion Daughter- S. Denise (T. Scott) Robison of Marion Two Grandchildren- Chasity Milligan of Murphysboro Sean M. (Misun Shin) Frye of Seoul, South Korea Four Great Grandchildren- Tyler and Conner Milligan of Marion Hannah and Ian Frye of Seoul, South Korea Two sisters- Marlene Eining of Lake Berryessa, CA Judith Smits of Chicago Four Nieces- Mary Shumate of Woodland, CA Lynn Edwards of Salida, CA Rebecca Eining of Livermore, CA Cindy Eining of Livermore, CA Nephew- Erik Smits of Chicago He was preceded in death by his parents, wife- Ramona, and brother- Theodore “Teddy” Smits. The family would like to thank Addus Healthcare, Parkway Manor, Hospice of Southern Illinois, Dr. Keller, and Heartland Regional Medical Center for the wonderful care Darrel received. Your kindness and compassion is greatly appreciated. Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the Marion First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Wade Halva officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion with military honors presented by the Marion VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the United States Air Force ritual team. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00am until 12:00pm on Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Marion. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with final arrangements. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the church and also at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home; 800 N. Market Street; Marion, IL 62959.