Darrell Keating

On March 4, 2018 Darrell F. Keating departed this world to be reunited with his wife Marilyn. Darrell was born on February 18, 1932 in Eureka, California to Tom and Mary Keating. He grew up on a dairy farm in Elk River with his four older siblings. He attended St. Bernard's and was an accomplished baseball pitcher throughout his young adulthood. He proudly served as a Sergeant First Class in the Korean War and was awarded a Purple Heart for his bravery as a medic.

Upon returning from service, he met his sweetheart Marilyn Boyd. They were married on September 11, 1956, and were happily married for over 60 years. Darrell began his career with Union Oil shortly after marriage, and was the Territory Manager for nearly 40 years until his retirement. Darrell was an active member of the Korean War Veteran's Community; he took pride in commemorating veterans by placing American flags on Veteran's graves on Memorial Day every year. Darrell spent countless hours volunteering in his community by providing hospital shuttle rides, supporting the Eureka Fire Department, and donating over 19 gallons of blood for the Northern California Community Blood Bank, just to name a few.

During his retirement, Darrell thoroughly enjoyed his Wednesday lunch group with The Boys, attended all of his three grandchildren's sporting events, and traveled all over the world on countless cruises with his wife Marilyn. Darrell was a devout Catholic and attended Mass every Sunday at St. Joseph's Church in recent years.

Darrell is survived by his son, Tom, and daughter, Dianne. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Alexandra, Andie and Keaton Vallee, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, his brother, Dan, and his three sisters, Josephine Tyson, Dorothy Danielson, and Maryellen Householter.

A funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at St. Bernard's Church at 10:00am, with a reception to follow at the home of his daughter. The family would like to thank the staff at the Ida Emerson Hospice House for all of the loving care they provided to Darrell.