Darrell D. Birkey

Darrell Dean Birkey, of Hopedale,  passed away on August 27, 2025  in Hopedale, Illinois.

He was born on February 3, 1938, to Fern and Jesse Birkey in the home that he lived in all of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Catherine (Barding) Birkey, son Phil Birkey and wife Rachel, daughter Frannie Farney and son John Crutcher, grandchildren Faith DeLay and husband Dawson, Mariah Farney,  Benjamin Farney, Jayden Crutcher, Illyianna Crutcher, Susie Birkey, Grant Birkey, and Winston Birkey, great-grandchildren Myles, Isaiah, Coralee, and one on the way.  He is survived by brothers Ken Birkey and wife Bonnie, Norman Birkey, Mel Birkey and wife Nancy, and Arlan Birkey and wife Sally along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Verla Birkey Martin and husband Donald.

Darrell was a farmer his entire life, attended church faithfully, and taught youth and adult Sunday School. He was a man of few words, but of great wisdom. He was a supporter of ministries that shared  the gospel of Jesus Christ and had his own ministry of intriguing Christian signs that he faithfully changed each month on his fences beside the road. 

Visitation will be held at Minier Assembly of God on Tuesday, September 2, from 5-8pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 3, at 10am  at the Minier Assembly of God. A meal will follow the service and burial will be at Groveland Cemetery after the meal. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Christian Life Academy in Hopedale would be appreciated.

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