Darwin Paul Stiles Sr

In Loving Memory of Darwin Paul Stiles Sr.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Daddy, and Papa, Darwin Paul Stiles Sr. Darwin passed away on April 30, 2025 in Riverside, CA,, at the age of 69. He was a cherished and devoted Husband, Daddy, Papa, Uncle, and Friend. Darwin passed away after fighting to conquer many health issues while in the hospital for seven grueling weeks.
Darwin was born to Warren and Alma Stiles on June 14, 1955 (Flag Day) in Garrett, Indiana. He was the youngest of three sons. Darwin, his two older brothers, and their parents moved from Garrett, IN, to Santa Ana, CA. when he was 6. After moving from Santa Ana while Darwin was in High School at Santa Ana Valley High, his family moved to Corona, CA, where he graduated from Corona High School. During high school, Darwin was in the marching band and jazz ensemble, where he played the trumpet. Darwin loved playing the trumpet and formed great, long-lasting relationships with his fellow bandmates. Darwin quit playing the trumpet, but his love of music was everlasting and became an important bond between him and his wife Reta. They attended many concerts and would play music all the time. Darwin also shared his love of music with kids Sammi and Little D, attending several concerts with Sammi and introducing them to artists they now hold dear. He was also an avid bowler, who started bowling at a young age, and continued bowling until his later years, when he finally had to quit bowling due to his back issues. Darwin was known for his bowling style; he had a bounce and was just so smooth on the lanes. After high school, Darwin went to technical school and worked several jobs. Darwin lived with his mom in Riverside, and while living with her, he met his wife, Reta. Darwin and his mom lived across the street from Reta's parents in Riverside, and while at breakfast at the clubhouse, he set his sights on her. He later asked her father, Earl, to introduce him to her. While visiting her parents, Earl introduced them, and shortly after, they started dating in November 1978. Darwin had fallen in love with the girl next door (well, across the street). Darwin and Reta were engaged a couple of years later. While attending a party, Darwin thought it was time to ask Reta to marry him. His proposal wasn't the average; he decided to throw her into the swimming pool, and then later, he swam up to her and said he would rescue her, while he asked her to marry him. Darwin always joked and told everyone that she had fallen into the pool, and he had jumped to save her. Darwin and Reta married on Memorial Day weekend, May 23, 1981 at the First Baptist Church in Corona (Now Main Street Church). Before they had their firstborn child, Little D, Darwin, and Reta enjoyed taking spontaneous road trips to spend time together alone. Before Little D was born, Darwin took a job at Coca-Cola Foods. He worked at the same plant for over 33 years. He started working in production as a machine operator, then worked his way up to Warehouse Manager. After leaving his career as Warehouse Manager, he retired shortly and took a part-time job at Disneyland, where his daughter Sammi worked. He felt he needed to keep busy longer, so he worked there until the end of 2018. Darwin's team knew he was a kind, fair, and caring boss, as he was with everyone. Darwin truly believed in treating people the way he wanted to be treated. He was always kind, loving, caring, and respectful of others, even strangers. Darwin and Reta had two amazing children, Darwin P. Stiles Jr. (Little D) and Samantha Jean-Maire Stiles (Sammi or Babydoll as Darwin called her). They were the light of his world and the center of their universe. As a family, they enjoyed spending time with family and friends. They often took trips to San Diego, SeaWorld, Disneyland, Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, and many other places. Darwin loved watching movies with his family, whether at the theater or home. He loved all the old classics and the newest releases. Darwin was also an avid gamer; he often took the kids to computer shows and always used the excuse that he was taking them to buy games. Of course, he had to buy himself some, too. Darwin made friends wherever he went and treated them as his family, which often confused his children as they grew up, finding out that many of his brothers couldn't be located on the family tree.
Darwin and Lo Reta (Reta) spent almost forty-seven happy years together, living in Corona and Riverside. They would have celebrated forty-four years of marriage on May 23, 2025.
Darwin had only two things he didn't believe in: coincidence and never saying goodbye. He always said, "See you later," as goodbye seemed too final.
Darwin's legacy lives on in his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Lo Reta (Reta), of nearly 44 years, their son and his Little Mini Me, Darwin Stiles Jr. (Little D), their daughter and daddy's little girl, Samantha Jean-Marie Stiles (Sammi/Babydoll). He also survived by his daughter-in-law, Ashley, granddaughter, Lilian (the apple of Papa's eye), Grandson, Jake (his buddy), a host of family members, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and Aunt Helen. His friends were Darwin's family and were always treated as such.
He is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Earl Chick; his mother-in-law, Jean Chick; his mother, Alma Stiles; his father, Warren Stiles; his brothers, Daniel and David Stiles; and many extended family members.
His family and friends will always remember Darwin with much love, adoration, and respect. Darwin never met a stranger. Darwin's personality made people feel important, warm, and loved. He was kind, considerate, hilarious, brilliant, and always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed terribly by all and loved forever more!
Rest in peace, my dear sweet Love, Daddy, and Papa!
Memorial Services are being held at Main Street Church (Formerly First Baptist Church), 155 W. 8th Street, Corona, CA. 92882 on June 14, 2025, at 10 AM.
Immediately following the memorial, family and friends are invited to his Celebration of Life, to join the family for a meal and share stories at The Mission Village Mobile Home Park (clubhouse) 3700 Buchanan St., Riverside, CA 92503