WILLHITE, Darrel V. 1943-2014

WILLHITE, GRANT, BUCKLES

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 11/20/2015 at 18:12:02

Darrel V. Willhite

Died: Dec 5, 2014

Services:
Tuesday at Kearns Funeral Service Kimball Chapel
3146 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, Iowa

Visitation:
Monday at Kearns Funeral Service

Cemetery:
No burial. He was cremated as to his wishes.

Biography--

Darrel V. Willhite, 71, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Waterloo, died Friday, December 5, 2014, at Living Center West in Cedar Rapids.

He was born May 22, 1943, in Waterloo, the son of Dewey and Freda Grant Willhite. He married Becky Buckles February 5, 1966 in Waterloo and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Wartburg College in Waverly.

Mr. Willhite was an independent automotive salesman for Bowes Automotive Products for 30 years, retiring in 2004. Prior to this, he served in the U.S. Marine Corp and worked at the John Deere Waterloo Works. Darrel was an active member of the Iowa State Cyclones Wrestling Club and served as an officer of the organization for many years. He was elected several times to represent the residents of Washington Township in Black Hawk County.

Darrel was known as an avid tennis player. For many years, he recruited and led a team from the Black Hawk Tennis Club for men’s, mixed, and senior leagues. Over the years, his teams advanced to sectional and national levels. He shared his passion for tennis with family and friends in Black Hawk County.

He was also passionate for fishing, hunting, and conservation efforts. These pastimes were kindly passed along to his grandchildren as he was always there to bait a hook or remove a fish with a big smile. That was “Gampie’s” job. He loved animals, and had a special place in his heart for his dogs Trooper and Woody.

Darrel is survived by two daughters, Lora (Doug) Dillon of Kohler, Wisconsin, and Sara (Steve) Willette of Cedar Rapids; his mother of Bettendorf; one sister, Judy (Marshall) Sonksen of Bettendorf; and four grandchildren: Ethan Dillon, and Sophie, Jack and Nate Willette.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Kearns Funeral Service Kimball Chapel. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. His body will not be present, as it was his wish to be cremated.

Memorials may be directed to the Iowa State Cyclone Wrestling Club, Box 1073, Marshalltown, IA. 50158-1073. Condolences may be left at www.kearnsfuneralservice.com.

Source: Kearns Funeral Service, Waterloo, Iowa
www.kearnsfuneralservice.com

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