Obituary

Darryl Lee Owens, 58, died June 25, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born on October 18, 1966, in Lynwood, CA.

Darryl was a man of many talents. He went to Virden High School in Virden, IL. In junior high and high school, he ran track and set records for his school. He also played football and was a star player.

Darryl was offered a full ride to Augustana College to play football but chose instead to go to Eastern Illinois University.

After college he chose to join the Air Force. In his later years he belonged to Liberty Center American Legion Post 661 where they presented him with a Quilt of Valor for his service to his country. Darryl loved being in the military and for quite a bit of his service time considered making a career of it.

While in the service he went many places. He loved deploying to other countries. Darryl’s decorations and ribbon awards consisted of the Air Force Achievement Medal with 3 devices, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Training Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 1 device, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force BMT Honor Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/Rifle, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 1 device, NATO Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 device and Armed Forces Service Medal.

After the Air Force he moved to Iowa and went to work as a Telephone Tech. Darryl also attended culinary school as he loved cooking. However, he decided being a chef was not for him.

One of Darryl’s favorite places that he lived was on an acreage in Le Claire, Iowa. He sometimes fished on the pond on the property and enjoyed it very much.

Darryl was an animal lover and always missed the dogs he had over the years. Lately he loved to watch the squirrels everyday out of his sliding glass doors.

In the last months of his life, Darryl enjoyed talking on the phone with his best friend and planning for the future. But God had other plans.

Darryl will be loved and missed forever.

Darryl is survived by his siblings, Rich Owens, Patti Berriman and Neil Elliot; several nephews, Cory, Ryan, Tristen, Carson, his special friend, Portia; and other family members. He is preceded in death by his mother, Diana Collins and his grandparents.

Military Funeral Honors will be 11 AM Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003 with Offutt Air Force Base Military Honors Team.

Arrangements by Iles Norwalk Chapel

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