Darrell E. Carruthers

DARRELL E. CARRUTHERS

Encinitas, Calif.

Darrell E. Carruthers, 76, of Encinitas, CA, passed away on November 15, 2021, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born September 15, 1945, to Willard E. and Evelyn J. Carruthers in Keosauqua, Iowa, where he spent his youth.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Charlotte (Overstreet).

Surviving to cherish his memory is his wife of 52 years, Dixie (Loeffler) Carruthers, Encinitas, CA; two sons, Mathew Carruthers, Redondo Beach, CA, and Kelly Carruthers, Chesapeake, VA; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; and siblings, Sue (Craig) Gilchrist, Burlington, Iowa; Richard Carruthers, Palm Desert CA; Steve (Nedra) Carruthers, Blue Springs, MO.; Fred (Korkee) Carruthers, Mediapolis, IA; Dan (Paula) Carruthers, Santa Clarita, CA.; and Deb Kirschner, Keosauqua, IA.

Darrell attended Northeast Missouri Teachers College and Emporia State Teachers College. He was a Morse Intercept Operator in the U.S. Air Force, surviving the TET Offensive in Vietnam. After spending 50 years in retail management, Darrell became an avid golfer in retirement, achieving 8 hole-in-ones. He was a passionate San Diego Padres fan. He joined his wife year round buying toys for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. He loved time spent with his family, especially his five grandchildren. He became well known as the ice cream maker of the neighborhood. The grandchildren: Brooke, Allie, Hannahlaura, Cash and Hollis will have warm memories of their time spent with Grandpa.

A Memorial Service will be held on December 16, at 11:30 a.m. at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. In lieu of flowers, please donate a toy to Toys for Tots or make a cash donation to Tunnel to Towers foundation.