Darrell Dean Parker, 85, of Scottsbluff, NE, went to be with his Lord on Monday, April 1, 2024 at Monument Rehabilitation and Care Center in Scottsbluff, NE. His Graveside Memorial Service will be held in the fall at Mitchell City Cemetery, Mitchell, NE. At Darrell’s request cremation has taken place. Online condolences may be made by visiting Darrell’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Darrell was born on February 1, 1939 at Mitchell, NE to Dale (Chess) and Esther (Frank) Parker. He was raised in the valley attending Scottsbluff, Lake Alice and Bayard schools. He graduated from Bayard High School in 1958. Darrell was baptized my Immersion and placed on the membership at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ Church Scottsbluff, NE on January 25, 1948 by Reverend Dubbs. Darrell was also a member of the Church of Christ in Bayard, NE.
Darrell moved to Omaha in 1963, residing there until returning to Scottsbluff in 2002. In Omaha he worked for Bausch & Lomb Optical from 1966 to 1968 and then for Physicians Optical supply from 1969 to 1974.
He was married to Charlene Lawson from 1966 to 1971. He later married Eleanor “Elli” Castillo on February 28, 1987. Darrell became disabled due to health issues. He resided at Monument Rehabilitation and Care Center until his death.
Family was important to Darrell and he always said, “We are a close knit family”. Darrell enjoyed history consisting of early settlement of the Valley, Oregon Trail and local Indian tribes. He enjoyed taking pictures of family and of landscapes, doing leather work, and had a talent for drawing horses. He also enjoyed singing & playing country western and Christian tapes. He had a sense of humor like his father and brother and liked to joke around. He will be missed by all.
He was preceded in death by parents Dale (Chess) & Esther Parker; brother Jim D. Parker and sister-in-law Muriel Parker; and brother-in-law Dean Blackburn.
He is survived by sisters JoAnne (Scotty) Cookston of Montesano, WA and Jean Blackburn of Scottsbluff, NE and many nieces and nephews.