Darrell Lee Wilson passed away Thursday evening October 24, 2024, at home surrounded by his wife, two sons and two daughters in law, as he wished to do. Darrell led a life of service laced with adventurous pursuits. He was born on July 26, 1931, in Asbury Hospital, Salina, Kansas and immediately thrust into the Great Depression. He would say he was “dirt poor” which is an accurate depiction of his family’s condition. At an early age his parents separated. Darrell was raised by his father who earned a living as a traveling millwright. Darrell, his dad and brother Jim traveled the country and lived in various communities, such as Danville, Illinois, Springfield, Missouri and a few others before landing in Denver, Colorado for a longer stretch.
Seeking adventure, Darrell decided to work on the railroad, so he started as a Gandy Dancer (google it, quite interesting) on a stretch of track in Wyoming. Not long after getting into the swing of his exciting occupation the U. S. Army communicated an urgent need for his presence, meaning, he had been drafted into service. After completing basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri he returned to Colorado on leave before shipping out to Korea.
While on leave his best friend introduced Darrell to a beautiful young lady by the name of Carol Robertson who was a rancher’s daughter and cowgirl. The courtship began, then, two weeks after meeting for the first time they decided to marry in Raton, New Mexico on August 24, 1951. (Hasty? Maybe. But the marriage lasted 73 years.) On September 3, 1951, Darrell left for Korea. Upon his arrival he was trained as a Combat Medic. He served in that capacity until he returned home in April 1953. Darrell and Carol exchanged many letters during his stint in Korea. He later said that the letters helped them get better acquainted while he was away. No doubt it worked. He was honorably discharged soon after returning and began civilian life with Carol always by his side. His first job was with Western Electric in Denver. He was later transferred to El Paso, Texas, then returned to Salina to work with his brother, Jack Wilson. Jack and Darrell were Master Electricians by that time and started their own company, W&W Electric, working in new home construction. Darrell owned W&W Electric until July 1962.
Darrell met and became friends with a Salina Police Officer one day. The officer invited him to ride along in his patrol car in the evenings. Darrell loved it and was hooked so he applied for a job at the Salina Police Department. In July 1962 he was hired as a patrolman. Darrell rose through the ranks rapidly, to detective, then lieutenant and finally to Assistant Chief of Police in 1970. He worked under Chief John Woody, but aside from the employment aspect they were close friends. Where you saw one you usually saw the other in their personal and professional endeavors. Countless stories of their adventures are floating in the ether to this day. Darrell retired from SPD in late 1984. He campaigned for Saline County Sheriff and won to begin his tenure as County Sheriff in 1985 that lasted 12 years thru 2 re-elections. Darrell’s reputation and respect shown for him grew immensely while serving as sheriff.
In 1987, Darrell retired as Sheriff then took on the duties of Executive Director of the Kansas Sheriffs Association where Carol was already serving as Secretary/Treasurer. Together, they grew the KSA and met many people around the state, and nation. Darrell retired from KSA in 2011 to spend more time with his family. The retirement also resulted in retirement party number 3 where one of his sons pleaded with those in attendance to NOT hire him for anything because he was tired of attending retirement parties. Even then he didn’t disconnect himself from law enforcement. He remained actively involved with the SPD and Sheriff’s office whenever called upon for advice or to serve on boards and committees. Many in the field looked up to him as a mentor, especially newcomers who worked under him.
Darrell discovered his calling in the law enforcement field. His eye for detail, intelligence and personal drive for excellence made a perfect fit in his chosen occupation. Bonus attributes included a charismatic personality, great sense of humor and keen wit. He maintained a cool head at all times, even in very stressful situations. He was also quick with a joke, sometimes poking fun at himself but he never hesitated to take opportunities for the occasional, well-crafted practical joke. One of his favorite activities was sitting on his front porch next to Carol, drinking coffee and welcoming daily visitors, of which there were many. A fair number of passing cars would honk and wave to the Sheriff. The porch will never be the same without him.
He was preceded in death by his father Art and mother Gladys, brothers Jack and Jim, and great grandson Tristan.
Darrell is survived by Carol, wife of 73 years, son Scott and wife Teresa of Edmond, Oklahoma, son Mark and wife Diana of Overland Park, Kansas, brother Jeff, granddaughters Jessica (Ryan), Chelsey (Daniel), Danielle, grandsons Jarrett, Brent (Ryan), Nick (Lindsey), great grandson Caleb, great granddaughter Quinn, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends too numerous to mention.
The family extends deep and sincere thanks to Interim Healthcare. Amanda, Christina, Christy, Megan and Lonnie provided the best in hospice care in Darrell’s final weeks.
The Celebration of Darrell’s Life will be on Saturday, November 9, 2024, 11:00am at The Temple, 336 South Santa Fe, Salina, Kansas. The Celebration will be held in the theatre on the third floor. In addition to the stairs, an elevator with operator will be available.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association, P.O Box 1122, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762.