Darrell Sills

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Otto “Darrell” Wilburn Sills, age 80 of Joplin, passed away unexpectedly at Mercy Hospital at 2:15 AM on Saturday, June 29, 2019.

Otto was born in Quapaw, OK on January 16, 1939 to the union of Leonard B. “Bud” Sill and Lola Alice (Seavers) Sill. He attended school in Seneca before enlisting in the US Air Force at the age of 17. His time in the Air Force spanned over a 20-year career, and included assignments from coast-to-coast in the US, many countries overseas, and a tour of duty in the Vietnam War. He retired from the Air Force in 1976 as a Master Sergeant.

Upon his return to civilian life, he worked at Ozark Engineering, owned his own sewer maintenance business, drove a truck, and served as the head of maintenance for the city of McCune, KS. He previously attended Freedom Fellowship Church in Goodman, MO where he served as a Deacon, and recently attended Riverton House of Prayer Church in Riverton, KS where he served on the worship team by playing guitar and singing. He was also part of a band called “The Good Ole Boys” that traveled to 3 area nursing homes each week to share the joy of music with the residents. He never liked dogs, until he got his Yorkie, “Charlie”, and from that point on they were inseparable. Otto was always building, fixing, and improving things around the house and his garage, and he never liked to sit still, other than the hours he spent each morning reading his bible and praying for his family, friends, and public leaders.

Otto was united in marriage with Joyce E. (Fransisco) Sills on July 8, 1975 in Miami, OK. She survives.

Additional survivors include three sons, Danny Sills of Norman, OK, Mike Scribner (wife, Michelle) of Joplin, MO, and Eddie Scott (wife, Lori) of Neosho, MO; three daughters, Kimberly Michael of Joplin, Mecheal “Shelly” Hopkins (husband, Mike) of Baxter Springs, KS, and Vickie Locke (husband, Tim) of Norman, OK; one brother, Ted Sill of Wichita, KS; six sisters, Phyllis Willdermood (husband, Bill) of Climax Springs, MO, June Thompson (husband, Paul) of Riverton, Beverly Dunn (husband, Steve) of Baxter Springs, Doris Taber of Pittsburg, KS, and Gayle Ludlum (husband, Rick) of Navarre, FL; as well as 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud, Sr. and Lola Sill; one daughter, Glenda Sills; three brothers, Ralph, Leonard “Bud”, Jr., and Billy Sill; and three sisters, Sharon Williams, Judy Slimp, and Glenda Sill.

A funeral service will be held at the Riverton House of Prayer at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 2, 2019. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery of Galena. Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.