Darell G. Bricker – 1929-2012

Darell G. Bricker passed away at his home in Gardnerville on Feb. 15, 2012, in the loving arms of his wife after a long and courageous battle. He was 82.

Darell, a resident of Gardnerville since 1997, was born June 29, 1929, in Seymour, Mo., to Harvey and Mayme Bricker. He married Mary “Liz” Arnold on Sept. 30, 1950, in Carson City. They had two children: Ronald Gene and Debra Kathleen.

A celebration of life for Darell will be at 11am March 10 at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church, 1375 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville.

Darell G. Bricker

Darell joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served on board the USS Volador SS-490 for most of the four years he was in the military during the Korean War. After returning home, he soon went to work for the Federal Aviation Agency in air traffic, with duties stateside and ending with 15 years in Alaska. During his first few years with the FAA he also studied in pursuit of a degree in electronic engineering.

After retiring from FAA, he followed many paths. In Corvallis, Ore., Darell was known as Farmer DB. He loved tomatoes and grew as many as he could on his half acre of land. Next, in Manteca, he loved converting vehicles to run on propane. Then in Gardnerville, he took up sewing machine repair and very reluctantly stopped due to his ill health. He thoroughly enjoyed everything he set his mind to do.

Known by many names during his lifetime, Darell was a proud Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle and Friend. To know Darell was to love him. He had many friends near and far. He will be sorely missed by one and all.

Darell was preceded in death by son Ronald; parents Harvey and Mayme; and brothers Harold, Charles and Donald.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Mary “Liz” of Gardnerville; daughter Debra (Tony) Howard of South Lake Tahoe; daughter-in-law Pam Bricker of Stateline; granddaughter Alicia (Gary) Miller of Santa Cruz; grandsons Bret Howard of San Francisco and Scott Bricker of South Lake Tahoe; great-granddaughters Corynn and Ashley Bricker of South Lake Tahoe and great-grandson Merrick Miller of Santa Cruz; sister Frances (George) Lowe of Sonora; sister-in-law Marty (Lloyd) Mitchell of Lodi.

Arrangements are in the care of Capital City Cremation. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice or the American Heart Association, Carson Valley United Methodist Church (where Darell was a member) or the Dialysis Clinic Inc. in Carson City or Gardnerville.