Darrel LeRoy Metzker

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Darrel LeRoy Metzker, 78, of Winlock, passed away Monday, June 11, 2018, at Providence Centralia Hospital in Centralia, Wash. He was born in Baker, Ore., May 25, 1940, to Oscar and Norma (Phillips) Metzker. 

Darrel graduated from Sweet Home High School in Sweet Home, Ore. His athletic ability earned him a college football scholarship, but unfortunately, he broke his ankle during the last season. This injury meant that he was out of football, so he decided to serve our country instead. Darrel joined the United States Air Force, going from Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane to Sembach, Germany, where he was honorably discharged after several years of faithful duty. 

He wore many hats when it came to his work and social life. Darrel spent many hours watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing sports. He owned two local businesses, Baxter Auto Parts and the old Jackpot Gas Station on Gold St., in Centralia. Darrel was a logger as well, working in the woods and on a log truck for many years before retiring in 2003. After retirement, he spent two years as a medical transport driver with Catholic Community Services. Darrel was an active member of the Elks Lodge, The Eagles and American Legion Post #17 in Centralia, serving with their Honor Guard. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Marian; children, Gabriele Care, Dawn Coulter and Brian Metzker; step-daughters, Donna Lund, Karen Young and Susie Wilber; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; and three sisters, Clydeen Cadwell, Kerri Robinson and Peg Lynch.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 22, 2018, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold Street, Centralia, followed by coffee hour at the American Legion, 111 W. Main Street, Centralia. 

In lieu of flowers, Darrel’s family requests that donations be made to the American Legion. 

Darrel will be cremated per his wishes and his ashes will be spread across the highland, where he enjoyed hunting and working for so many years.