Darrell Dean Frey

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at the Corcoran District Cemetery for Darrell Dean Frey of Corcoran.

Mr. Frey, 64, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, at Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia.

A native of Salida, Colorado, he was a longtime Corcoran resident who moved to the community with his family when he was two years old. He attended local schools, graduating from Corcoran High School in 1963. He earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural business from Fresno State University in 1970.

He served seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves, rising to the rank of sergeant.

Prior to his retirement from Lakeland Dusters Aviation in 2003, where he served as managing partner, Mr. Frey was elected president of the Corcoran Chamber of Commerce. He directed several community improvements, including the revitalization of the downtown area and heading the hiring committee for a new city manager. In 2005, he became the top candidate for the chamber CEO position and diligently worked over the past five years on community improvement projects. He represented chamber members with the city council, hospital board and school board, improved chamber membership, coordinated new chamber activities and helped organize the annual Corcoran Cotton Festival and parade, as well as the city's annual Christmas parade.

He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Corcoran and was a past president of the organization, as well as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was named Corcoran's man of the year in 2001. Mr. Frey was a lifetime member of the California Aerial Applicators Association and won their Baldwick Award for outstanding contributions to the association, as well as serving as a past president of the statewide organization. He was a past member of the Corcoran Lions Club. He was a master counselor in the Order of DeMolay, Corcoran Chapter 1938.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Karen Frey, of Corcoran; a daughter, Alise Frey, of Corcoran; a son, Kirk Frey of Corcoran; a brother, Dale Frey and wife, Marlene, of Hanford; and two grandchildren, Vance and Kassidy Frey of Corcoran.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Corcoran Community Foundation in Mr. Frey's name. A special account has been set up with the Foundation to provide funds for projects and activities that improve the quality of life for Corcoran residents. Those donations may be sent to the Darrell Frey Fund, c/o The Corcoran Community Foundation, 1321 Whitley Ave., Corcoran, CA 93212.