Willis "Darrell" McKannan

     Willis "Darrell"  McKannan, 79, was talking through his sleep a few nights ago. His words alerted that he knew something was about to happen. He sat up in his hospital bed the morning of March 7 around 10:00 am and announced in similar words again and again that "this" was the day.  A few moments later, he repeated the same ominous message as the nursing staff witnessed this prophetic claim. Within a half hour, he stopped speaking. He was answering the Savior's invitation to take him to his heavenly destination.
     
     Darrell was born on September 16, 1933 to parents Cullen and Barbara (Newnum) McKannan in  Patoka, Indiana, one among three sisters and two other brothers. After graduating from Patoka High School, he joined the Army and served in Germany until he was honorably discharged.
     
     
He met his wife, Deloris Sweppy of 60 years, on a school bus and married later in life.  Together they raised three children: James, Brenda, and Ron. He was employed by Massey Ferguson as chief mechanic, and  was shop foreman for 16 years with State Highway until his retirement. He and his family made their home in the historic area of Princeton, Indiana.


     He was fascinated with, and owned, an Ultralight aircraft, sometimes piloting with his son Jim McKannan. However, Darrell was criticially injured in his last flight in 1999, marking  a series of medical conditions from which he never fully recovered. He also had diabetes which complicated the healing.

Being musically inclined, as was his piano-playing wife, he enjoyed strumming the guitar and singing country music. A fond memory is recalled by daughter-in-law and professional musician, Terese McKannan,  when she would see him sitting outside  his garage in the evening, beautifully singing various songs, including, " I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You." Other hobbies included gun collecting, flying, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also liked sharing sentimental memories of his brothers and sisters. Most folks know him by his ability to fix anything, his spirited conversations,  and heartful wit.

   He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wayne McKannan. Surviving Mr. McKannan are wife, Deloris; siblings, Dorothy Anthis, Mary Neal, Sherrell Paige, and Dale McKannan; sons, Jim ( wife,Terese McKannan)  and Ron McKannan; daughter,  Brenda Howder (husband, Mike). Grandchildren: Bryan, Rachel, Kim, Jon, and Aaron, great-grandchildren: Gracie and grandson, Bryan's four children. He also has many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

A private gathering is scheduled for family only by Pierre Funeral Home. Condolences can be rendered by contacting a family member or/and by commenting on this memorial column. ( You might need to register a Google account which is very simple. Just use your regular information for Facebook, etc..)


Is there someone you would like memorialized in such a way that needs more details than what is read in sometimes a dreary obituary?  I would love to help. Contact me at dianneberry08@gmail.com.