Darrell Dean Wright

Darrell Dean Wright, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, in Silverado, California, at the age of 92. Born on May 10, 1932, in Ogden, Utah. Darrell was a shining example of kindness and warmth, whose infectious laugh and welcoming spirit touched the lives of everyone he met.

Throughout his remarkable life, Darrell was a faithful and loving husband to Carol, with whom he shared a beautiful bond for an incredible 70 years. Their love story began during his time in the Navy when he traversed the long distance from San Diego to Rosemead just to steal moments with her. This dedication never waned throughout their lives together.

As a beloved father to five children—Shirley Simmonds, Kent Wright, Diane Heckaman, and Linda Douglass—Darrell was a guiding light, instilling values of compassion, resilience, and hard work. Tragically, he mourns the loss of his daughter, Ladona Cannon, whose memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew them. His family expanded to include 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy into his life.

Darrell and Carol’s enormous hearts extended beyond their immediate family; they fostered over 70 babies, a testament to their selfless love and nurturing spirit. Even in their 70s, Darrell continued to embrace fatherhood, sharing joy and laughter while fostering their last set of babies.

An adventurer at heart, Darrell had a passion for travel. He and Carol enjoyed living in Japan during the early 60s and embarked on numerous around-the-world cruises after retirement, sharing countless cherished memories along the way. With their fifth wheel, they explored many destinations across the United States, either by themselves or accompanied by friends from their travel club. Darrell often reminisced about the blissful moments spent in the great outdoors, a grateful reflection of a life well-lived.

A man of many talents, Darrell excelled in diverse fields, from being a real estate agent to a police officer and a computer programmer, later becoming an computer engineer. His innate ability to tackle any challenge was commendable, whether repairing appliances or investing wisely in the stock market. Darrell’s industrious spirit was evident as he worked two jobs to ensure his family’s needs were met and to pave the way for a comfortable early retirement. Yet, despite his varied career, he cherished his time working at the temple for over 20 years, considering it his proudest accomplishment.

A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Darrell dedicated his life to his faith, holding numerous positions and callings at the Peter's Canyon ward for over three decades. His unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his community brought together many in shared faith and fellowship.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol, and four of his five children, whose legacies of love, kindness, and faith continue to inspire all who knew him. The memory of Darrell Dean Wright will remain etched in our hearts, a beacon of light whose gentle presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.