Darrell Gene Youngblood

1947 - 2015

Darrell Gene Youngblood
May 3, 1947 - Jan. 27, 2015
Discovery Bay
We have lost a wonderful man. Darrell fought a long and hard battle with 3 different cancers. He went peacefully with his wife and best friend, Sue at his side.
Born in Oakland to Lila & Blackie Youngblood. He already had a sister, Deanna and they added Ken later. Made their home in San Leandro on Arctic St. Attended Garfield, John Muir (where he met Sue) and Pacific High. A proud "Viking" he lettered in three sports and was voted "Biggest Flirt" in his senior year, 1965. With a Big personality and great sense of humor he made many good friends that he kept for a life time. Enjoyed attending class reunions...Go Vikes!
Uncle Sam came calling. Was drafted into the Army (66-68) during Vietnam war. One year training @ Ft. Sill, Ok., married Sue before going overseas. Was Proud to have Served his Country. Luckily, he came home to son Bradley, that he quickly nicknamed Bo.
They settled in San Lorenzo on Via Annette. Added Christopher, another blessing. Spent 38 good years here, raising the boys, working hard, improving the house, making new friends. Enjoyed being a Manager in Little League for Callahan Insurance team for many years. A good rivalry with Teamsters coached by good friend, Sam Angotti. Always nicknamed his players and taught them some life lessons. Mostly drafted kids by whether they had a good looking mom! Fun times. Supported CYO basketball and Arroyo High sports. He made friends wherever he went and was an especially great Dad. Loved his sons unconditionally.
Proud member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 595. Was so very happy to be accepted into the apprenticeship program (1970) which molded him into a good, hard working, union electrician. Spoke to young people about all the advantages of the apprenticeship program and being part of the brotherhood. Retirement years were comfortable due to years of membership.
After his family, SPORTS, was his biggest passion. His recall of trivia was amazing. Avid Raider fan back in the day and had season tickets for awhile. Fun times. Was excited for the Warriors this year and still cheered for the Sharks. BUT his true love was CAR RACING. From NASCAR, midgets to his beloved Sprint cars (WORLD OF OUTLAWS). He liked following local High School sports also.
PROUD Papa to all the grandkids, spoiling them! Megan, Gabe, Joey, Jaimee, Abby, Danny & Alondra. Watching you all grow individually and finding your way. Adding to the family, wonderful daughter-in-law, Adrianna and special affection for Aimee. Adored his sister, Deanna & husband Bill Harrison.
In 2007, brother-in-law, Ken Gschwend (wife Kay) encouraged him to join them in Discovery Bay. He joined the Discovery Bay Country Club and Yacht Club. Had 6 good years golfing with the Friday group and others, boating with Ken & Kay and making new friends laugh and having fun. Trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Reno, Palm Springs for golf was really fun times for him. Loved the community.
Fought cancer with a positive attitude and was deemed "ALL STAR" patient at Valley Oncology. Dr. Sawhney, assistant Stacy, hard working nurses Kathy and Nancy & staff kept his quality of life good for many years. The Youngblood family Thanks you so very, very much!
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life that will be held Sunday February 22nd, 2015, 4 - 7 pm @ Discovery Bay Country Club, 1475 Clubhouse Dr. Discovery Bay. Kindly, no infants or toddlers.
In keeping with Darrell's passion for sports, IF you would like to wear a favorite teams jersey, racing shirt, golf shirt or Hawaiian shirt, please feel free to do that.
In lieu of flowers or plants, kindly donate to either East Bay Hospice, 3470 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill, 94523 or Wounded Warriors online @ woundedwarriorproject.org.
We will all miss his smile, sense of humor, generosity and caring heart. Here's to you BIG D! IT'S BEEN QUITE A RIDE!