Darvell “Dar” King of Irrigon passed away in Irrigon on Feb. 3, 2021 at the age of 77.
He was born on Jan. 9, 1944 in Torrance, Calif.
Dar grew up in California, where he attended school. After high school he attended one year of college, studying welding before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He served several years in the Marine Corps, where he worked as an infantry rifleman and in security. After his honorable discharge he returned to California, where he worked for Shelby American (Carroll Shelby). He was proud to be a part of the team that made many advances to American racing, and that won many races over the next several years.
Dar moved to Eastern Oregon in the late 1960s and had resided in the Hermiston, Umatilla and Irrigon communities since that time. He worked for Boeing Aircraft as a jet engine mechanic for several years. He then began his work in security at the Umatilla Army Depot, where he worked from 1981 until retiring in 2007.
Dar enjoyed horses and going on trail rides, raising snakes and caring for reptiles, listening to short wave radio, going to the mountains, and astronomy. His younger siblings looked up to their brother and remember that he was always there for them.
Dar married La Donna White in Pasco, Wash. on Nov. 14, 1970.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, La Donna; children, Mike, Carrie, Anthony and Dawn Marie; grandchildren, Nicolas and Katie; sister, Marsha; brother, James; sister-in-law, Karen; and several extended family members.
A private family gathering will be held.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
