Darrell D. Jurling

1931 - 2025

Darrell D Jurling
October 3, 1931 - August 7, 2025
LTC Darrell D Jurling (Oct 3, 1931 - Aug 7, 2025) born in Glendale Ca, the second child to Virginia Lewis Jurling and Edward Jurling. Darrell was raised mostly in Southern California by his mother and stepfather Louie "Mac" McDill. He graduated Grossmont HS in 1950 where he enjoyed playing basketball. He attended Riverside Jr. college, San Diego state and USC.
He joined the US Army in 1951, graduated OCS at Ft Sill in 1952. In 1952 He married Donna Engelhardt with whom he had 3 children. He entered into the Korean War as artillery officer in 1953. He took flight and helicopter training at Ft Rucker 1955-56, served in Germany 1957-1960.. He served in Vietnam with 4th infantry division artillery 1966-67 as a Senior aviation officer with the Dragon Flight 55th AVN Co., 8th army. In 1967 he divorced Donna. He later re-married to the love of his life Connie Childress. 1968-70 he was transferred to Natick Laboratories in Ft. Devens, MA. While stationed there, he became a Master Aviator in 1970. He was transferred to USAREUR SHAEF in Germany -1970-74. In 1974 he transferred to Ft. Lee, VA. In 1978 he was transferred to Sierra Army Dpt in Herlong, CA. While there he was medically retired from military service as a Lt. Col in 1979. He and Connie moved to Santa Rosa Ca. Where they lived out their years traveling the world, collecting antiques and spending time with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and attending the First United Methodist Church. Darrell enjoyed rock and gemstone collecting, coin collecting and antiques. Darrell was a kind, thoughtful, generous man who could always crack a good joke. His love of god, of his country, of his family and of life was evident in everything he did. He was authentically himself and never wavered from his morals and beliefs. He is survived by his brother David Jurling, half brother Ben McDill, Daughter Karen, 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
He passed at the age of 93. He lived a very long and full life. We celebrate his life with fond memories and love, though nothing will ever replace his presence in our lives, the presence he left will remain in our hearts.