Francis William “Bill” Darrah
Francis William “Bill” Darrah, 81, of Lincoln passed away July 7, 2019. Born January 2, 1938 in Metuchen, New Jersey to Francis and Jeanette (Markano) Darrah.
He completed a 40-year career with Lincoln Electric System (LES) in 1998. He was Assistant Manager of LES’s Operations Division. Darrah “found” Lincoln and his successful electric utility career after a two-year tour with the Army in Fort Dix, NJ, Fort Knox, KY, and as a supply sergeant in Fort Carson, CO. He joined the former Consumers Public Power District in April, 1959. His first assignment was with a tree-trimming crew. He worked his way up the career ladder—from groundman, to cableman splicer, to line foreman in 1971, to service supervisor in 1972, and to his final position in 1974. He served two terms as chairman of the Lincoln Utilities “One Call” Committee. He aided in formation of the group, which deals with information and safety for underground infrastructure. He is a former officer on the advisory board of Northeast Nebraska Technical Community College (linemen’s training courses), and assisted officials and personnel in the Utilities Section of the Nebraska League of Municipalities during technical seminars and training activities. He was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Lincoln Council on Alcoholism and Drugs from 1981-1984, he was an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska. He was active in Lincoln Elks Lodge #80, and he enjoyed playing baseball, softball, bowling, and golf. He especially loved family holiday get-togethers; Christmas was his favorite.
Surviving family members include the love of his life of 60 years, wife Margaret; daughter and son-in-law Deborah and Mitch Emmons; son David Darrah; grandson and spouse Jason and Michaela Emmons; great-grandson Henry Emmons; sister Ann Marie Peti; brother Patrick Darrah. Preceded in death by his parents and brother John; sister Antoinette Selesky.
Private family service. Memorials to the family for future designation. Make checks out to Margaret in care of Aspen Cremation Service, 4822 Cleveland Ave., Lincoln, NE 68504. For condolences fill out the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
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Condolences for Francis William “Bill” Darrah
We were so sorry to hear your dad has passed away.
I will miss him. He helped me learn the ropes at Ashland C.C. Our trips to Vegas for the Pro-Am’s were so much fun. Amy and I send our condolences to all of you. RIP Bill.
Bill was our friend for about 60 years. He was our first friend from New Jersey. Bill was an original. We always knew if we needed a friend, call Bill. He will be missed. I added the Rasmussen to my response, we’ve been married for 57 years but he always referred to me as Rasmussen.
I am sorry to hear Bill has passed away. I am so glad I spoke with him last week, and thankful to have known and worked with him for many years. You have my sympathy.
We are very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a great friend of both the Trehearn’s & Orcutt’s. He is playing the best courses now. Prayers & Hugs to Marge & kids.
♥️Pam & Ed
So sorry to hear about Bill. He was a good neighbor and friend for many years on S. 47th st. Sincere condolences to the family.
Condolences to Margaret and family.
Bill gave his time, heart and soul to LES Operations and its employees.
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I worked with Bill at LES for 35 years and have great respect for him. We enjoyed the Wednesday night meals when we could get together with Bill and Margaret. Our deepest sympathy.
RIP Bill. You made me smile in life. Thank you.
I met Bill when I first started at LES in 1995. He always had a smile and always made me laugh. He was a joy to work with and made my job fun. He was a wonderful person! My sympathies to his family at this difficult time.
Will always remember those (crack of dawn) Saturday morning Pioneer golf outings. Then on to Margaret’s late morning brunch. Entertainment was nonstop.
We extend our condolences to Marg and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
I was saddened when I heard. I pray that all of those wonderful memories of Bill give you strength and healing.
Bill leaves us with many memories. In 1971 when I joined LES, Bill, Ron Johnson and I were on a crew together. He taught me the ropes. My first-ever golf game was with Bill. Of course, it was the first of many golf games. We know that he is playing his best golf game now. Bill had many stories he shared that usually ended with us laughing. We are sure going to miss those laughs. Our sympathies to Margaret and the family.
Hi David, I remember when you brought your dad’s “ yellow foam concrete product for setting telephone poles from LES” to Holmes School Elementary” (Show and Tell) class. And I will pray for you during this difficult time. Take care, Michael Holroyd
So sorry for your loss —Bill and his family were so Welcoming and kind and loving to Paul ,Hilary ,and I at the beautiful wedding of their son Robert to our dear niece Becky Krantz! What fun we all had as one big family . Bill knew how to show people a good time 🙂 Now they have the precious grandchildren Dominic and Hailey ( Rob & Becky’s Children) to carry on family legacy with their loving son Robert and his wife Becky! All theDarrah family treasure your memories lean on each other to get through this trying time.
God Bless each and everyone of you !
Will pray for your family during this time of sorrow !
Sincerely,
Paul and Debbie Krantz
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to Margaret and the entire Darrah family. May the lord be with you in this difficult time.
We send our love to Margaret, Deb, Mitch, Jason, Michaela and the rest of the late Bill Darrah family. Prayers are being lifted for you all. My first encounter with Bill was when his daughter Deb (whom I worked with at JCPenny in downtown Lincoln) invited me to her family’s home way back during my college years. What a welcoming man Bill was, and he definitely had a great sense of humor! Bill will be missed by so many.
My condolences to Margaret and the Darrah family for the loss of Bill! He made the great times I had with Rob possible! No question he was the Boss! May The Godfather Rest In Peace!
Next to our dad, Bill was the most special man in our lives. He, along with the rest of the Darrah family, helped us grow up. When the Retzlaff’s and the Darrah’s were together, there was fun, laughter, and a few scoldings—but always a great story. We love all of you and will miss Bill. We send our love and prayers.
The Retzlaff girls and Mom.
I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He gave his heart to LES and I will always have fond memories of him. My deepest sympathies to Margaret and the entire family.
I worked in Operations with Bill Darrah and Tony Kettler in the mid-70’s and was saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a good guy and I enjoyed working with him. My sincere sympathy to Margaret and family. P. J. Jacobs (aka Vaske)