Darrell Gene Youngblood
May 3, 1947 - Jan. 27, 2015
Discovery Bay
We have lost a wonderful man. Darrell fought a long and
hard battle with 3 different cancers. He went peacefully with his wife
and best friend, Sue at his side. Born in Oakland to Lila & Blackie
Youngblood. He already had a sister, Deanna and they added Ken later
. Made their home in San Leandro on Arctic St. Attended Garfield,
John Muir (where he met Sue) and Pacific High. A proud "Viking"
he lettered in three sports and was voted "Biggest Flirt"
in his senior year, 1965. With a Big personality and great sense
of humor he made many good friends that he kept for a life time.
Enjoyed attending class reunions...Go Vikes!
Uncle Sam came calling. Was drafted into the Army (66-68)
during Vietnam war. One year training @ Ft. Sill, Ok.,
married Sue before going overseas. Was Proud to have Served
his Country. Luckily, he came home to son Bradley, that he quickly
nicknamed Bo. They settled in San Lorenzo on Via Annette.
Added Christopher, another blessing. Spent 38 good years here,
raising the boys, working hard, improving the house, making new
friends. Enjoyed being a Manager in Little League for
Callahan Insurance team for many years. A good rivalry with
Teamsters coached by good friend, Sam Angotti. Always nicknamed
his players and taught them some life lessons. Mostly drafted kids
by whether they had a good looking mom! Fun times. Supported
CYO basketball and Arroyo High sports. He made friends wherever
he went and was an especially great Dad. Loved his sons
unconditionally.
Proud member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,
Local 595. Was so very happy to be accepted into the
apprenticeship program (1970) which molded him into a good,
hard working, union electrician. Spoke to young people about
all the advantages of the apprenticeship program and being part
of the brotherhood. Retirement years were comfortable due to years
of membership.
After his family, SPORTS, was his biggest passion.
His recall of trivia was amazing. Avid Raider fan back in the day
and had season tickets for awhile. Fun times. Was excited for the
Warriors this year and still cheered for the Sharks. BUT his true love was
CAR RACING. From NASCAR, midgets to his beloved Sprint cars
(WORLD OF OUTLAWS). He liked following local High School sports also.
PROUD Papa to all the grandkids, spoiling them! Megan, Gabe,
Joey, Jaimee, Abby, Danny & Alondra. Watching you all grow
individually and finding your way. Adding to the family,
wonderful daughter-in-law, Adrianna and special affection for Aimee.
Adored his sister, Deanna & husband Bill Harrison.
In 2007, brother-in-law, Ken Gschwend (wife Kay) encouraged
him to join them in Discovery Bay. He joined the Discovery Bay
Country Club and Yacht Club. Had 6 good years golfing with the
Friday group and others, boating with Ken & Kay and making
new friends laugh and having fun. Trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Reno,
Palm Springs for golf was really fun times for him. Loved the community.
Fought cancer with a positive attitude and was deemed "ALL STAR"
patient at Valley Oncology. Dr. Sawhney, assistant Stacy, hard working
nurses Kathy and Nancy & staff kept his quality of life good for many years. The Youngblood family
Thanks you so very, very much!
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life
that will be held Sunday February 22nd, 2015, 4 - 7 pm
@ Discovery Bay Country Club, 1475 Clubhouse Dr. Discovery Bay.
Kindly, no infants or toddlers.In keeping with Darrell's
passion for sports, IF you would like to wear a favorite teams jersey,
racing shirt, golf shirt or Hawaiian shirt, please feel free to do that.
In lieu of flowers or plants, kindly donate to either
East Bay Hospice, 3470 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill, 94523 or
Wounded Warriors online @ woundedwarriorproject.org.
We will all miss his smile, sense of humor, generosity
and caring heart. Here's to you BIG D! IT'S BEEN QUITE A RIDE!
Published in Inside Bay Area on Feb. 3, 2015
Wayne Childree (1965)
It's with sadness in my heart that I post this. Darrell was a great guy, always with a smile on his face. My condolences to Sue and the rest of Darrell family. May he rest in peace and in the hands of the Lord.
Wayne Childree, Class of '65
Sid Castro (1965)
Darrell was a great athlete and teammate. I guess the Lord needed someone with a smile on his face who would give 100% in all he did. My sincere sympathy goes out to Sue and Darrell's family and friends.
Jean Ferreira (Kloehn) (1965)
So sorry to hear of Darrell's passing. My condolences to his family.
Carol Truex (Young) (1967)
Darrell was not only a classmate but a dear friend to my brothers, Cliff and Jim. His spirit lives on through his children, grandchildren and my dear friend Sue. I found a quote from Yeats that I felt spoke to Darrell's many, many friends. "Think where man's glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends."
Linda De Jarnett (Freeman) (1965)
My deepest sympathies to Sue and all of the Youngblood family.. I was saddened to learn of his passing. May he rest in peace.
Donna Davy (Apodaca) (1966)
My sincere condolences to you and your family Sue. Hope you find peace knowing he's in a good place without any sickness or pain. We loved sharing our Little League days with Darrell, you and the boys. So sorry to hear of this loss. May he rest in peace.........
Donna Apodaca
Frank Torres (1966)
OMG. What a wonderful man. Always smiling and kind to all those he touched.Will let my brother Rich know(class of 65 vietnam vet as well. ) So very sad.
Michael Wilske (1966)
My deepest sympathies to Sue and her family. Darrel was a viking athletic legend. Rest in peace my friend..
Robert Morris (Jr. ) (1965)
I went to school with Darrell starting with Garfield , then John Muir and finally Pacific. We were friends but since I wasn't into sports we did our own thing but kept our friendship going. I will always remember his laugh Which was like no other . A few years ago I was at our local service station in Brentwood and he was there filling his car . He gave me a card with his address and said to get in touch . I heard later he was fighting cancer and I' m kicking myself for not getting in touch with him . Darrell my friend I hope you are no longer in pain and hopefully we will finally get a chance to reminisce when my day comes .
Julie DeChantal (Manley) (1964)
So sorry to hear about Darrell. He was a great kid and man. Julie DeChantal Manley