Robert Elroy Darrell Obituary

Description: Robert Elroy Darrell Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...

Robert Darrell

Nov. 21, 1955 - Dec. 30, 2025

Obituary

Robert Elroy Darrell, lovingly known as Rob or Robert E, was born on November 21, 1955, in Akron, Colorado, and passed away on December 30, 2025.

As a child, Rob moved frequently.  Living in Brush, Colbran, Rocky Ford, California, Lakewood, Midway, and Illinois. In eighth grade, he returned to Akron, where he remained through his graduation in 1974. After high school, he found work in the oilfield, which took him across the state and eventually to Grand Junction, Colorado, where he met Trudie Walsh. They were married in Denver on February 14, 1982.  Rob and Trudie had four daughters: Sarah, Chelsea, Amy, and Hannah.

Rob and Trudie made homes in many places—Grand Junction (1982), Brush (1983), Fort Morgan (1985), Weldona (1989), and California (1992)—before eventually returning to a farmhouse outside of Weldona in 1994. It was there that their four daughters built many of their most cherished memories, living rural life, tending animals, and growing up as a close, happy family. His family fondly remembers the many decrepit horses that found their way onto the acreage to live out their days on what everyone jokingly called the “Geriatric Horse Farm.” Rob had a way with those tired horses, calming them and giving them peace for the rest of their lives.

Rob lived a life marked by hard work, faith, service, and deep devotion to family. He spent most of his working years in the oilfield, a career that took him many places and shaped his strong work ethic. After an injury ended that chapter of his life, Rob did what he always did—he adapted, persevered, and built something new. He founded Countryside Service, beginning with odd jobs with nothing but an old work pickup and a John Deere 1010.  Over time, the business grew into a well-known and respected local company, employing several people, many of whom came to see Rob not just as a boss, but a father figure.

Rob was deeply proud of his faith. He was a Gideon and, together with his wife, served as a youth group leader for several years. Later, he participated in mission trips to an orphanage in Mexico, helping lead groups of youth who worked and served there. His faith was also felt at home—Sunday mornings were unmistakable, signaled by old Christian hymns blasting through the house, letting his wife and daughters know it was time to get ready for church.

Though Rob and Trudie divorced in 2010, family remained the most important part of his life.

He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping, and was famously known for having the fire started and coffee ready long before anyone else woke up. In his earlier years, he enjoyed bowling. Rob also had an extraordinary mechanical ability—if it had a motor, he could fix it, even when others had long given up.

In 2011, Rob reconnected with a high school friend, Dana Shedd, who became his life partner and constant companion. Together they enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending time with friends. They went on cruises, took road trips, and dragged their camper along whenever they could. Their travels included Iceland, Alaska, New York City, Mardi Gras, the Bahamas, and Yellowstone, just to name a few.  Between trips, they were content to sit on their wind-chime-covered porch, watching the dogs run or entertaining family and friends.

At some point, Rob and Dana decided to begin fostering shelter dogs. Many of us believe the dogs knew that if they came to this “foster home,” they were never leaving. Over the years, countless dogs spent lazy days on the porch and cold nights on their own couches, never lacking belly rubs from Rob.

Rob and Dana lived in Greeley, Colorado, where many family and friends gathered throughout the years, and where Rob was able to say his final goodbyes during the last days of his short battle with aggressive cancer.

Rob was preceded in death by his beloved youngest daughter, Hannah, in 2009; his parents, Barbara “Darrell” Richter, James “Roy” Darrell,  and Helen Darrell; his brother, Thomas “Tom” Darrell; and his nephews Nathan, Caleb, and Logan Darrell.

He is survived by his life partner, Dana Shedd; his daughters Sarah (David) Arndt, Chelsea (Mike) Blecha, and Amy (Aaron) Pagel; as well as his cherished grandchildren Clayton Arndt, Maya Darrell, Dillon Arndt, Austin Arndt, Kaley Darrell, Greyson Arndt, Hannah Darrell, Connor Shedd, and Alice Darrell. He is also survived by many others who considered him a second father and mentor.

Though Rob did not live long enough to meet any future great-grandchildren, those who come after him will know exactly who he was through the stories, values, faith, and love he leaves behind.

Services will be Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Gene Doty Senior Center in Fort Morgan, CO at 10:30 AM. 

Memorial contributions should be made to:  Chelsea Blecha; 736 Warner St..; Ft. Morgan, CO  80701.

Brown Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.

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