Darrell L. Wilson

Darrell Wilson, 76, Ontario, passed away September 14, 2018, at a Boise Hospital. Darrell was born September 4, 1942 to Harley and Betty (Hite) Wilson on a small farm in Sunset Valley, outside of Adrian. Once a farmer, always a farmer. He shared his childhood with his brothers; Billy, Melvin, and Kenny; and sister Lila Mae. He also shared a strong bond as a child and throughout adulthood with his cousin, Sharon (Zurcher) Hines. Darrell graduated from Adrian High School in 1960 and attended college at Oregon State College and Eastern Oregon College for a short time. In the fall of 1963, Darrell met Helen Snyder. As the story is told it was kismet as they were married just 4 months after their first date. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 1964. They welcomed their oldest son, Tracy, in August 1965. And just a short two years later, Karl was born in December 1967. Darrell attended Oregon State University (Go Beavs) to pursue a career in Agriculture Education. He graduated in 1973. In February 1974, their first daughter, Melissa, was born. The family then moved to Moro, Oregon, where Darrell started his teaching career at Sherman County High School. But, once a farmer, always a farmer. So… In 1976, Darrell and Helen moved the family back to Vale, Oregon, where Darrell taught Ag at the high school and continued to help with the family farm. After the death of his father, in 1978, Darrell quit teaching and went back to farming full-time, with his brothers. Their 4th child, Bettsy, was born, in January 1979. In 1982 Darrell went to work for Idaho/Oregon Seed Growers and then Clark Seed. In the summer of 1987, the family moved to Parma, Idaho. Shortly after this move Darrell and Helen suffered the unexpected loss of their son, Karl. Through the loss of Karl, they gained a lifelong connection with his best friend, Steve Gray. He became son number three. Darrell continued to work for Clark Seed as it transitioned to Agribiotec. In July 2000, it was time for a change for the Wilson family. Darrell accepted a position with All Star Seed in California. So, we loaded up the truck and moved, not to Beverly Hills, but to the Imperial Valley. Darrell and Helen thrived in California. They were accepted with open arms by the All Star family and truly enjoyed their time there. The grandkids would come stay in the summers and go on grand adventures with papa and grandma. They made a million memories. As much as they loved California, the Treasure Valley was their home. Once a farmer, always a farmer. So… Darrell retired in April 2011 and they moved home to Parma. Due to Darrell’s failing health, they sold the Apple Valley place in May 2018 and bought a little place in Ontario, close to their kids and grandkids. Since retiring, Darrell continued doing the things he loved most. He loved a good farm auction and the hamburgers they sold. He always purchased what no one else wanted and loved sorting his treasures. He collected antique farm equipment and would spend hours searching through Craigslist looking for the perfect addition to his collection. He farmed from his 4-wheeler and loved watching over his grandson’s cattle. He was always excited when a new calf had arrived. He loved farm talk and would visit with anyone willing to listen. He loved and always supported the FFA. Once a farmer, always a farmer. Darrell was a proud man. Proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. And took special interest in the accomplishments of all his nieces and nephews. Darrell is survived by his wife of 54 years, Helen. Son, Tracy and wife, Jana Wilson; Son, Steve and wife Christine Gray; daughter, Melissa Wilson; and daughter Bettsy and husband, Steve Unger. Grandchildren: Taylor and wife, Kelsi Wilson; Zane and wife, Ashley Gray; Tyler Wilson, Carl and wife, McKinsey Gray; Mickayla and husband, Tyler Thompson; Riley, Kaysen, and Presley Unger. Great grandchildren: Beau Wilson, Oliver Gray, and Wyatt Wilson. Sister Lila Mae Smith. Brother Kenny and wife Debbie Wilson. Sister in law Debbie (Melvin) Wilson. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that became family. Darrell was proceeded in death by his parents Harley and Betty; son Karl; and brothers William (Billy) and Melvin. Arrangements are under the direction of Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario. Viewing will be Friday, September 21, 2018, 6-8pm, at the Ontario Lienkaemper Chapel. Graveside services will be Saturday, September 22, 2018, 2pm, at the Owyhee Cemetery, Nyssa. A celebration of Darrell’s life will follow the services at George and Margie Yasuda’s, 1289 S.E. 2nd Street, Ontario.