Darrell Lee Carlson, the son of Richard and Frances (Carlsward) Carlson, was born October 25, 1933, on a farm in Page County, Iowa. He passed away on March 18, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society, Red Oak, Iowa, the age of 92 years, 4 months, and 24 days.

Darrell attended school in Stanton, Iowa. He enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in 1951 and served four years. Darrell then entered the U. S. Army on January 24, 1955, and was honorably discharged on January l5, 1958. On April 5, 1958, Darrell was united in marriage to Neta Harold in Strahan, Iowa. To this union two sons were born, Greg and Kerry. Darrell worked as a carpenter for a total of 15 years. He worked on his own, with Vannausdle Construction, C. Emil Johnson Construction and finally, Oakview Construction. Darrell later worked for D & L company and then began a 16-year career working for the City of Red Oak, with the water department, the last three years of which he was the superintendent. Darrell retired in October of 1995. Darrell was united in marriage to Mary Lewellen Wilson on August 23, 1991. He enjoyed camping, fishing and coaching basketball, baseball, and flag football in the peewee league. He loved seeing the kids develop, telling them three words to remember, "Mind Over Matter." During retirement, Darrell and Mary enjoyed winters in Texas and Arkansas. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Montgomery County Historical Society, and past member of American Legion, VFW, Red Oak Eagles and Elks Lodge. Darrell was proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a very patriotic man and an avid Hawkeye fan.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Carlson on August 5, 2016; sisters: Beverly Westenburg and husband, Bob, and LaDonna Raney; and brothers: Dick Carlson and wife, Joy, Bill Carlson, and Daniel Carlson.

Darrell is survived by his two sons: Gregory (Anne) Carlson of Johnston, IA and Kerry (Elaine) Carlson of Red Oak, IA;  5 grandchildren: Matt (Haleigh) Carlson of Lincoln, NE, Alec (Grace) Carlson of Manhattan, NY, Michael Carlson and partner, Avery of Mesa, AZ; Brittany (Josh)  Prokupek of Pella, IA; and Kaylin Carlson of Red Oak, IA; 5 great-grandchildren: Simon and Ellis Carlson, Everett and Holden Prokupek and Corinne Carlson; brother, Roger (Mary Jo) Carlson of Marion, IA; sister, Marcia (Bob) Sierp of Onalaska, WI; brother-in-law, Jim Raney of Stanton, IA; and sister-in-law, Carol Anne Carlson of Clarinda, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

A private service will be held in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, IA.

Memorials may be directed to Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Court of Honor.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Darrell's arrangements and serving his family.