Obituary of Darrell Duane McGillis

Darrell Duane McGillis August 4, 1927 - June 17, 2021 Darrell Duane McGillis was born August 4, 1927 in Edmore, North Dakota to Myrtle and Harry McGillis. Darrell attended elementary and high school in Edmore, and graduated from Edmore High School in 1945. Following graduation, Darrell entered the Army Corps of Engineers. Most of Darrell's service was in Japan as part of the occupation force. Upon discharge, Darrell attended the Interstate Business College in Fargo, North Dakota for two years. In 1949, Darrell and Lois Krause of Heimdal, North Dakota were married in the Bowden Lutheran Church. They moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota where Darrell worked in the transportation/trucking business for several years, after which he became an agent for Blue Cross for eight years. Son Anthony (Tony) was born in Detroit Lakes October 11, 1954. From Detroit Lakes, the family moved to Fargo, North Dakota where they lived until 1974, at which time a move to Cupertino, CA was made. In Cupertino, Darrell returned to the transportation industry and was a manager for ONC Freight Systems. During this work, a move was made from Sunnyvale, CA to Redding, CA. In 1980, Darrell began managing apartment complexes at South Lake Tahoe, Oceanside, San Diego and Willows, CA. They lived in Willows for eight years. Lois McGillis passed away in 1993 during the time she and Darrell managed the apartment complexes in Willows. Darrell continued this work for the Professional Apartment Management Company until his retirement in 1998. In April 1997, Darrel and Mavis Uthe of Chico, CA were married. They joined the Trinity United Methodist Church in Chico and lived on Greenwich Drive. Darrell has two brothers, Don of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and Larry of Portland, North Dakota. In addition to his son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Jackie of Paradise, California, he has a grandson Shaun, and a granddaughter Desiree, also of Paradise. He also has been a readily adopted grandfather to Mavis' six grandchildren: Megan, Alex, Carlos, Rachelle, Brittney and Jacob. Darrell loved to play golf - without keeping score, pinochle and cribbage, and to travel especially to see new scenery and historical sights. He loved art museums and antique collections, as well as gardening. He enjoyed jazz music, Big Bands from the 40's and dancing. Darrell was an active Mason for many years and a member of the Shriners. He also has been a member of the Elks Lodge for many years. One of his favorite hymns is "How Great Thou Art", especially if played on the trumpet! To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Darrell Duane McGillis, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.