Darren J. Fricke, 58, of Mount Gilead, passed away at his home, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
On October 6, 1960, Darren was born in Mount Gilead, Ohio, a son of John Samuel and Barbara Jean (Soulier) Fricke. He graduated from Mount Gilead High School in the Class of 1979.
Following graduation, Darren enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country during Desert Storm and specialized in communications, building and repairing communications towers in many parts of the world. He retired from the Air Force and continued working for many years in communications before moving back to Mount Gilead, where he, among other jobs worked for Lowe’s driving their delivery semi.
Darren was fiercely patriotic and loved his country. He and Cindy enjoyed traveling across this great nation seeing its sites and visiting family and friends. He was a life member of the VFW Post 8054.
On Sept. 19, 1992, Darren married Cindy Dee Wooten in Wichita Falls, Texas. They have shared the last 26 wonderful years as husband and wife.
Darren loved spending time in the great outdoors. He liked cutting wood and helping his wife with her bee keeping. He also enjoyed tinkering in his garage, repairing his old Chevy trucks and working on the interior of their home.
Darren enjoyed watching and attending NASCAR races, with his favorite driver being Dale Earnhardt Jr. He was also a big Ohio State Buckeyes fan.
Darren will be remembered as a kind, gentle man who was full of energy and always had to be doing something. He was rather ornery and could be stubborn as a mule at times.
Darren will be dearly missed by his wife, Cindy, of Mount Gilead; his son, John Fricke, of Seattle, Washington; his parents, John and Barbara Fricke, of Mount Gilead; his brother, Bradley (Tina) Fricke, of Mount Gilead; aunts and uncles: Dan (Connie) Fricke, of Mount Gilead, Dave (Joyce) Fricke, of Mount Gilead, Betty (Ron) Perkins, of Arizona, Marian (Dan) McBride, of Idaho; mother-in-law, Barbara (Blair) Patrick, of Olympia, Washington; sister-in-law, Deborah (William) McCarson, of Samish, Washington; nephews: Wyatt and Cole Fricke and Bryce and Curtis McCarson.
He was preceded in death by a brother, John Fricke; two uncles: John and Billy Soulier; and his father-in-law, Brent Wooten.
Per Darren’s wishes, no funeral services will be held.
Memorial contributions in Darren’s name may be made to the Sanctuary of Hope c/of Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78258.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Darren’s family, and your special memories or condolences may be shared with them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
