Darrell
P. Willoughby, 85, of Central City, died Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at Golden
Living Center in Fullerton, Nebraska. Funeral services will be Saturday, April
24, 2010, at 10:00 A.M. at Wagner Funeral Home in Central City with Reverend
Ernest Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Central City Cemetery, with
military rites provided by Lone Tree Post #6 of Central City. Visitation will be
Friday, April 23, from 5 to 7 P.M. at the funeral home. Darrell was born on June 11, 1924 just west of Central City to Perry Everett and Myrtle Leona (Fleek) Willoughby. He grew up in Central City and received his education there, graduating from Central City High School in 1942. He continued his education at Nebraska Central College for a year.
He entered the United States Army on March 19, 1943, and served in the 82nd All American Airborne. Darrell was honorably discharged on January 6, 1946.
Darrell was united in marriage to Esther Thomsen on June 1, 1946. Esther died in September of 1947. He married Judy L. Holmstedt on November 4, 1948 at the United Methodist Church in Central City. The couple lived in Central City where Darrell remained a resident his entire life. He worked for Edna Rice at Republican, and then Elgin White at the Republican Nonpareil, before retiring in 1983, when he was co-owner and co-publisher of the paper with Garland Stephensen.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Central City, Lone Tree Post # 6 of Central City. He served on the Airport Authority, was Chamber President, County Supervisor and City Council. Darrell enjoyed golfing and remote control airplanes. He enjoyed small children and his many friendships.
Survivors include his wife Judy Willoughby of Central City, NE, his son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Carol Willoughby of Columbus, NE, two grandchildren, Spencer and Jill Helms of Elk River, MN; and Mitch and Jody Helms of Columbus, NE, and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, and a son, David Lee Willoughby on December 3, 1993.
Memorials are suggested to American Legion Club Improvements and condolences may be sent to them at www.wagnerfuneral.com.
