Denver Darrell Large

Denver Darel (Darrell) Large, 91, started on a new journey when he was called to join his heavenly father on February 17, 2026.

He was born on June 14, 1934, in Bartlick, VA, the son of William Thomas Large and Ruby Ester Yates Large Fields.

At the age of 10, he lost his father and the family was left to struggle to make ends meet. When he was 15, and in high school, he decided to leave behind the struggle from poverty in the hills of Virginia and join the U.S. Army. He served during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged four years later. He carried the pride of service throughout his life.

He married his first wife, (of 25 years) the late Roberta Florence Wagner, and they had 5 children. Having to provide for his family, he took on many jobs, from a glazier to tire service to car sales. In his drive for success and stability, he shifted to land sales at Sudden Valley, WA. And then developed Whatcom Meadows, a campground in WA. He then went to work for Thousand Trails, a camping resort company, in sales, and then, management. While there, he met and married his second wife, Janet Lynn Haynes (of 46 years). He went on to develop his own resorts, Happy Parks and Mississippi Pines and eventually moved on from that to the travel industry. He opened a travel club in Branson, Missouri with several family members.

Always looking for a new challenge, he went into promotions and was quite successful. He retired from an active role and served as advisor, consultant and sounding board for those who sought wisdom from his vast knowledge and years of experience.

He made many friends along the way and was never shy at starting a conversation with everyone he met. He was known for his kindness, humor, and generosity.

He was not only called Denver, he was also known as Big "D", grandpa, dad, brother, uncle, sweetheart and friend.

Throughout the years, he enjoyed going to car shows, buying and selling cars, and watching the auctions on tv. He was always looking for his dream car and that special deal.

He also had a passion for playing cards and could stay awake for days playing poker. He dreamed of one day, playing in the world series of poker and was planning a trip to Las Vegas.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Ruby Large, by his six brothers, 3 sisters, son James Roscoe Large, granddaughter Amber Dawn Lancos.

He is survived by his wife Janet Lynn Large, son William Howard Large and his wife Sherrie Lynn Large, son David Darrell Large and ex-wife Diana L. Simmons, daughter Deborah Lynn Wood and husband Thomas Aloysius Wood, daughter Brenda Lee Lancos, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Our sorrow is great in his passing, we rejoice in the fact that he is reunited with his family in heaven. We will meet again when we are called to the arms of our Lord.

He will be greatly missed by all.