Darry Gene “Papa” Whitson's legacy did not come to an end with his death. Darry, of La Pine, passed away on October 18th, 2021 at the age of 58, at St. Charles Hospital in Bend, Oregon. He beat cancer this summer, although he recovered and got stronger his health was left fragile. Recent hospitalization for aspiration pneumonia ultimately led to multiple organ failures. Jonnah, his loving wife held him in the last moments of his life and ensured he knew how loved he was.
Darry was born June 17th, 1963 at McKenzie Willamette Hospital in Springfield, Oregon to Larry Gene Whitson and Marian Lucille “Lucy” Coffman. The fourth of five children to Lucy, and the oldest of what would be Larry’s three sons. In the spring of 1981, he proudly graduated from Thurston High School in Springfield.
In January of 1987, he married his first wife Tammy and they had their daughter Hishia “Shia” in December of 1989. On June 1st of 2004, he welcomed his son, Darry Jr. who he went on to raise as a single father. In 2015 he and Jonnah, the love of his life, became a couple, and then a family when they married on July 27th, 2019 in Sunriver surrounded by friends and family.
Darry lived an exemplary 17 years dedicated to his recovery and served others continually in their journey to recovery. In those 17 years, he held prominent positions within Narcotics Anonymous at the group, area, and regional levels where he impacted many lives.
He was skilled in automotive repair, stereo installment, and vehicle detailing and retired from the Automotive industry as a service manager, deservedly so, with many years of dedication to his company.
Darry, born outdoorsman and lover of nature, avid bowhunter, and happy camper at his beloved North Twin Lake. He had an affinity for collecting rocks and finding treasures during his walks through the woods of central Oregon, his happy place. Darry loved music and spoke to many in his life through the language of lyrics. He often was inspired to bust a move when the right tune played, and you may have even caught him performing Ukrainian dance moves from his youth at special events.
His legacy will be kept alive through everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. To know him was to love him and he will live on in all of our hearts forever. We were all blessed to have such an incredible, genuine, loving, and honorable man in our lives.
Darry is survived by his wife Jonnah; daughter, Shia; son-in-law, Kyle; son, Darry Jr.; granddaughters Delaine, Devin, and Danerys; Parents Lucy, Larry, and Lori; sister, Sherry; and his brothers, Jeremy, Luke, and Jake. Darry is predeceased by brothers Mark and Kerry.
A Celebration of Life will be held in June 2022 in Central Oregon to honor Darry’s memory. The specific time and location are to be determined.
Any Donations made in memory of Darry Gene Whitson can be sent directly to his wife Jonnah via this verified Venmo link listed below.
https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2746626753953792968&created=1634872697
*Creation of a Venmo account is required.
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