Darrel Worley

Darrel Ray Worley, 66, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born May 24, 1945, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., to William "Seward" and Esther M. Wilkerson Worley. He and Edna "Ruth" McLard were married March 30, 1968, at Second Baptist Church in Dexter, Mo.

After graduating from Dexter High School in 1963, Darrel entered the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 13, 1964, and served a year in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant on June 1, 1966. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Darrel worked 29 years as a power plant operator at Southeast Missouri State University. He was a longtime member of First General Baptist Church and the VFW, both in Cape Girardeau.

While his sons were active in Boy Scouts, he served as assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 5; and in his spare time, he enjoyed genealogy. 

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 44 years, Ruth of Cape Girardeau; two sons, James R. Worley and daughter Abby of Fenton, Mo., Nathaniel C. (Angie) Worley and son Braden of DuQuoin, Ill.; two brothers, Norval (Pansy) Worley of Dexter, Carol (Jan) Worley of Wappapello, Mo.; and a sister, Jane (J.C.) Larsen of Dexter.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Sam Ramdial officiating.

A committal service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.