Darrell Willner Sr.

Darrell Willner Sr
Jacksonville - Darrell William Willner Sr., 84, of Jacksonville, Illinois, died Thursday, February 26, 2026, at The Pointe at Jacksonville.
He was born April 17, 1941, in Jacksonville, the son of Frank and Ola (Smith) Willner. Darrell married Michele L. Waters and she preceded him in death.
He is survived by his children, Darrell William Jr. (Suzanne) Willner of Johnson City, Texas, Kim Willner of Jacksonville, and Barry (Autumne) Willner of Franklin; Jackie Forrest (companion Jamie Harris) of Murrayville; grandchildren, Elizabeth (John) Hjort, Andrew William (Michael) Willner, Mason Willner, Kayla Marquard, Hope Willner, Barry Willner Jr., Joshua Willner, Bailee (Salim) Wali-Uddin, Kourtnee (Chad) Stephenson, and Drake (Celena) Stephenson; fifteen great grandchildren; and a sister, Rowena Kassler of Mineral Wells, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and siblings, Morris, Stan, Everett (surviving spouse, Carolyn of Jacksonville), Vivian Jones, Norma Hicks, and Carl in infancy.
Darrell was very active in football and wrestling in high school. He won the state wrestling tournament three out of his four years, was a golden glove boxer, and his football team won state four years in row. Darrell graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1958 and then from National Barber College. He started working as a barber in the 1960s and in 1972, he opened his barber business, "Darrell's Barber Shop" in Jacksonville, and his son, Barry, continues that business today.
While Darrell called his house in Pisgah his home, he and his wife spent a lot of time at their other home in Clayton, Georgia. He loved going to that area. In addition to visiting with friends, he also loved going to flea markets and never missed an opportunity to stop at a yard sale. More than getting a "good deal," he loved being able to brag how much of a good deal he got!! Many times, he would share how he bought something for "pennies on the dollar."
Darrell was very involved in the Jacksonville community. He enjoyed gardening and loved to share from his garden in abundance; he never wanted anyone to go hungry. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Jacksonville.
He loved to go fishing and ice fishing; he would have gone every day if he could have. As any great fisherman would do, he loved to tell fish stories and about his latest big catch. His tales left it up to you to decide how much of that was true, because every time he told the story the fish grew bigger. Darrell loved hosting fish frys for all his friends and family. As soon as one was over, he was already talking about having the next one.
Most of all, he enjoyed telling everyone how much he loved his family and that "he had the best kids in the whole world!" He was so proud of his family. He will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him.
We also would love to give a big thank you to The Pointe in Jacksonville. The caring staff made his transition from home to living there so much easier for him. And a thank you also to the wonderful staff at Heartland Hospice.
A celebration of life gathering will be held 3-6 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Hamilton's in Jacksonville. Memorial donations are suggested to the Jacksonville Food Bank or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospitals. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.