Darrell Dow, 97, of Onalaska, passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2023.
By his side to the very end was the love of his life, his wife of 77 years, Naomi Dow.
Dad was born in Onalaska on Sept. 28, 1925 to John and Virgie Dow.
Dad graduated from Onalaska High School in 1943. Dad and Mom were high school sweethearts.
Upon graduation, Dad was drafted into the Marine Corp during World War II. He was an infantryman as well as a demolition expert. He learned much of the training as a boy when he helped his dad blow up stumps with dynamite to clear a field on the property.
Dad was one of 18 survivors in his 3rd Marine Division in the battle of Iwo Jima. He helped pile up rocks to support the water pipe that flew the first American flag flown on Mount Suribachi. Since that flag could not be seen by ships at sea, it was taken down and a second, larger flag was raised. Dad also fought in Guam.
Dad was wounded by a bullet to his leg. When the bullet was removed, he kept the bullet as a souvenir on his key chain. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marines, he and Mom were married on April 13, 1946. Dad then went to barber school in Tacoma.
After completion of barber school, Dad set up his shop in Onalaska as a Barber and worked for 42 years before retiring.
Darrell and Naomi raised three sons, Bob, Rick and Carl. The couple lived in Onalaska for the remainder of his life.
Dad was a member of the Onalaska Fire Department, where he was the Fire Chief for many years before retiring. Dad was also a Past Master in the Masonic lodge in Onalaska, where he served in all phases of Masonic work. He also belonged to the Kiwanis Club in Onalaska for many years.
Dad was an avid fisherman for salmon, steelhead and trout. It made no difference, Dad just loved to fish. It was said that he could catch fish in a mud puddle.
Dad would spend all his spare time with family, camping and fishing at different mountain lakes in the summers just to be with Mom and his three boys.
Dad was also an avid supporter of Onalaska High School sports. He was well known for giving free haircuts to the varsity football and basketball players when they won league games.
Countless free haircuts were given over the years, as the Onalaska athletes were very successful in their sporting events. Dad always loved his jokes, would tell them to all that wanted to listen — some of them were even clean jokes.
Darrell is survived by wife of 77 years Naomi, his son Bob (Jeannie) of Onalaska, son Rick (Mary) of Chehalis and son Carl (Dody) of Puyallup, along with numerous grandkids, great grandkids, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father John and mother Virgie, sister Ruth, brother-in-law Harold Frafjord, a granddaughter and great-grandson.
Dad lived a full and productive life for many years before cancer put him on the sidelines. His family extends a very special “thank you” to Assured Hospice and caregivers who showed such great compassion and care of dad, and were so kind to mom in this very difficult time of dads final journey, including Dawna (nurse), Jamie (social worker), Christine (bath aide), Brian (chaplain) and Loni (nurse) who was with dad and mom for the final visit. The office staff and administrators also played a key role.
A graveside service will be held on July 24 at 1 p.m. at Alpha Cemetery in Onalaska.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the Onalaska Volunteer Firefighters Association at 103 Griffis Road, Onalaska, WA, 98570.
