Darrell Leland Witmer, 84, of Deming, New Mexico, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Darrell was born November 8, 1940 in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Robert Vern Witmer and Doris Mae (Fish) Witmer. He graduated from Madison High School in 1958, then went on to Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Bible. He was ordained at Union Avenue Christian Church (currently known as Timberlake Christian Church) in 1960. He faithfully ministered for 62 years in 15 different churches as full-time minister and filled the pulpit where he was needed. He loved the Lord and serving others. As Jesus said, Love God; Love People.
Darrell has a distinguished military and service background. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1970 aboard USS Grouper and USS Simon Bolivar. After his active duty, he continued his service in the Naval Reserve in 1974. Subsequently, he served in the Missouri National Guard from 1975 to 1983, followed by the New Mexico State Guard from 2007 to 2009. Additionally, from 2000 to 2010, he dedicated his time to serving with the New Mexico Sheriffs Reserve.
Darrell was passionate about storytelling, often spending his evenings writing novels. When he was not lost in his stories, he loved working and tinkering on his tractors, where his favorite was the John Deere tractor.
Darrell was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Sue (Flickinger) Witmer whom he married on March 24, 1962 at Union Avenue Christian Church. He is also survived by his seven children, Dwight Witmer, Robert Witmer and wife Jada, Michelle (Witmer) Koutz and husband Cristopher, Angela Witmer and husband Archie Ammons, Timothy Witmer and wife Natasha, Nicolle (Witmer) Schumacher and husband James, and Stephanie (Witmer) Winkler. His legacy includes eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Russell Witmer and wife Jane, Linda (Witmer) Parkes and husband David, and Stephen Witmer.
The funeral service for Darrell will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 1:00pm at First Christian Church of Deming, New Mexico with Michael O'Donnell officiating. Inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Moberly, Missouri and Military Honors will be conducted. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Mimbres Crematory.
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