Darrel Clifford Slocum

- Darrel Clifford Slocum, 67, of Missoula, passed away Saturday, March 3, 2018, due to heart failure.

Darrel was born April 1, 1950, in Missoula, to Jim and Dorothy Slocum and his big brother Larry who was waiting for him. They lived in the Rattlesnake where he made life-long friends and met his future wife.

At the age of 18, Darrel was drafted into the Army and fought in the Vietnam War. During his time there he was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal and the Commendation Metal for heroic and meritorious service.

When Darrel returned home to Montana he started working at the lumber mill in Bonner and married his high school sweetheart, Iris Gergen. They had three children, a girl and two boys, who he loved more than anything. Like many Montanans, Darrel loved hunting, fishing and going to the lake with family and friends. As his kids grew, he taught them all he knew and supported them in anything they did. His kids grew and had children of their own, who he adored and loved spending time with. Darrel never asked for much from anyone, but was always willing to help.

Darrel is survived by his children, Cory (Brooke) Slocum, Brandon Slocum and Ashley (Marc Fischer) Slocum; his grandchildren, Ryah Slocum and Clara Fischer; his brother Larry (Janet) Slocum; nephews Jay (Katie) Slocum and Trevor Slocum.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Dorothy Slocum.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway St.Graveside service with full military honors will follow at Western Montana State Veteran Cemetery at 1:00p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org) in the name of Darrel Slocum.