Darrel Eugene Sallee, 64, passed away on Dec. 9, 2014 at his home surrounded by family.
He was born on Feb. 5, 1950 at Pryor, Okla., to Merel Eugene and Mary Marie (Thompson), Sallee.
He grew up attending Pendleton schools graduating from Pendleton High School in 1968. He and his dad shared the same hobby. They were members of the Blue Mountain Hardtop Racing Association in which driving car #9 he was 1968 Rookie of the Year. Soon after he enlisted with the United States Navy and was stationed on the USS Bon Homme Richard where he worked on the flight deck during the Vietnam War. After four years of service he was honorably discharged returning back to Pendleton where he was employed with J&M Towing and Wrecking.
In 1973 he met the love of his life, Rhonda Simmons. They were married May 3, 1975 in Pendleton. They had three children, Jolene, Jeremy, and Jacob.
From J&M Towing and Wrecking he worked for Schaefer Radiator until he moved to Hermiston and started his own business, Auto-Kool in 1981. The business started in a one bay shop on Hermiston Avenue, eventually moving and establishing itself on Highway 395, becoming one of the largest heat exchange shops in the Northwest. He has served on the regional and national board of directors of NARSA.
A few of his leadership titles include 1980 VFW Commander Post 922, president of Hermiston Babe Ruth in 1992, 1992-2000 Hermiston Ducks Unlimited Committee chairman. He was awarded the 2008 Hermiston’s Man of the Year, 2010 Umatilla County Fair Manager’s Award and from 2004 to present he served on the Farm City Pro-Rodeo Board of Directors.
He was an active volunteer for the Pendleton Round-Up as well as a past competitor.
Besides his love of helping others, he cherished every moment he spent with his granddaughter to whom he was “Poppie.” He enjoyed activities of the outdoors – hunting, fishing, team roping, scuba diving, and skiing were just a few.
Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Sallee; daughter, Jolene Sallee-Davis; granddaughter, Molly Davis of Hermiston; sons, Jeremy Sallee of Hermiston and Jacob Sallee of Chicago; and sister, Sonya K. Sallee of Hermiston. He is preceded in death by his parents, Merel and Marie Sallee.
A graveside service was held on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014 at the Hermiston Cemetery. A celebration of life service was held on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014 at the Oregon National Guard Armory in Hermiston.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Darrel’s memory to Western Wishes, P.O. Box 19613, Reno, Nev. 89511.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
