Darrell Wayne Fitzwater
April 10, 1962 - January 12, 2021
Darrell Wayne Fitzwater, age 58, departed peacefully into Christ’s hands on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, after a valiant eight-year battle with kidney cancer. He will be dearly missed.
Darrell was born to Shirley Gene and Ada Belle (Redden) Fitzwater on April 10, 1962 in Summers County, WV. God gave him the gifts of love, happiness, patience and the desire to share those gifts with all he met. As a toddler he was known as “Little Henry”, a nickname given by his Uncle Paul. He was later known by his family and friends as Wayne until settling on Darrell.
Darrell graduated from Glasgow High School in 1980 and entered the United States Air Force in 1982. He was a member of LifeHouse Church in Townsend, DE and his favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Darrell was a muscle car enthusiast, his favorite being the Plymouth Road Runner although also he had a passion for Ford Mustangs, of which he owned several over the years. A huge fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, his happiness at their Super Bowl LII win was seldom eclipsed by anything other than the joy he derived from being with his loved ones. Darrell was blessed with a loving family. He married his best friend and soulmate, Wendy Leah Wagner on February 26, 2014. Himself a loving and dedicated father to his sons and daughters, he would encourage them frequently, and always had time to help them with any problems.
Darrell’s battle with cancer is reflected in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “(7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (8) Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” Darrell always had high hopes of beating cancer. Even at his worst he was thinking of his sons, daughters and wife before himself.
Darrell is survived by his devoted wife, Wendy Leah Wagner; children, Kyler Fitzwater and Nicholas Fitzwater, both of Bear, Rebecca Wagner of Smyrna and Alexandria Fox of Claymont; sister, Theresa Fitzwater Preston (Joe) of Millsboro; granddaughter, Lilly Schumacher of Smyrna; nieces, Shannon Riccelli, Brandee Preston and Holly Preston; and nephews, Shawn Riccelli and Jonathan Shisler. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 6:30 pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE. Face masks will be required for all in attendance. Services and interment will be held privately. He will be laid to rest at Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darrell’s memory to Delaware SPCA, 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713.
Wendy L. Wagner
Dearest Darrell, my heart is broken but I’m grateful your no longer in pain. I will see you again as I know you’re in Heaven with Jesus. I love you dearly and always will. Your loving wife Wendy
Rebecca Wagner
Dear Dad, You never gave up on me, or on anyone. You have blessed my life and my daughters life with joy, love, and guidance. You were and are the most courageous, brave warrior that I will always be and feel honored that I had the pleasure to be a part of you life. I will miss you ever day of my life. You will be and are dearly missed, but I know you aren’t suffering anyone. I love you Dad. I will be sure that Lilly always remembers her Poppy. Love your daughter Rebecca G. Wagner
Geoffrey & Alexandria Fox
Darrell was a warm, generous, and talented man. His consistent generosity to his youngest daughter and I will forever be remembered and appreciated. There are few acts of kindness more direct than opening one’s home to a newly married couple (with pets!) for 8 long months because they fell on hard times. But Darrell did so without hesitation when he saw that there was a need. The joy and feelings of security he brought into the lives of those who loved him will be missed greatly. The comforting words of the prophet Isaiah reassure us: “Your dead will live…the earth will let those powerless in death come to life.” Our hope is to see Darrell again, healthy and happy when these words are fulfilled. (Isaiah 26:19)
Rebecca Wagner
Dear Dad, You never gave up on me, or on anyone. You have blessed my life and my daughters life with joy, love, and guidance. You were and are the most courageous, brave warrior that I will always be and feel honored that I had the pleasure to be a part of you life. I will miss you every day of my life. You will be and are dearly missed, but I know you aren’t suffering anymore. I love you Dad. I will be sure that Lilly always remembers her Poppy. Love your daughter Rebecca G. Wagner
Keeta Kay Cole
I am sorry for the loss of a son, a brother, and the father who was provided two natural sons, Kyler and Nicholas, by Darrell’s exwife Heather Nichols Fitzwater. May Darrell rest in peace after his long battle.
Cheryl Wagner
Jim and I will forever have Darrell in our hearts and look forward to the day when we will be reunited with him in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Heaven has gained an angel and we will minis his kind, gentle spirit. It has been a joy to share this life with him. May Darrell live a new everlasting life in Heaven full of joy, peace, and love. Fly high on the wings of Eagles dear brother until we meet again
Linda Krantz
Only having the privilege of meeting Darrell 3 times, I knew he was a warm, loving, kind and genteel man. He was a blessing to my niece Wendy and to our family as a whole. I shall never forget him, his courageous battle with cancer and look forward to the day that we will be reunited in Glory.
I share his favorite verse Philippians 4:13 as my own.
JESSE RABB JR
you will be missed. As I told you many times you were and are a treasure. Rest in peace my brother.
Steven Warthen
Jesse Tod me about you last week, wow it’s been years but I remember
You giving me an opportunity in DE , by the train station. It was fun I learned from you Darrell!
An honor to know you
I pray you are resting in
The Palm of The Lord!
Mike and Betsy Schwartz
We will miss you dearly, good friend.
Really enjoyed your company, our talks in the driveway and the backyard. Many years of friendship with you and your family. Look forward to reuniting with you one day.
Love,
Mike and Betsy Schwartz
Paul Pineault
Darrell,
In the time we spent working together at CSC/DXC, you always had a smile on your face and that smile remained even when your illness began to get worse. In my mind this make you a very special person. I will miss that smile, may your soul rest in peace. I will also miss your Saturday visits when you would stop by the car lot to just to say “HI”.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family as well!
Paul
Bridget Vega
Darrell, you were a wonderful person all the way around. Since the first day I met you I knew that you were a very nice man. Wendy, Kyler and Nicholas I met you before and I’m truly sorry for your loss. He was a very strong man and he definitely was a fighter…his body got tired and he’s not suffering anymore. Try to remember the happy times!!!!
Theresa Preston
Dearest Darrell, you are the absolute best brother anyone could possibly ask for. I can’t remember a time you weren’t there for me. You battled cancer harder than anyone I know and you did this with a smile on your face. I’m so proud to be your sister. I miss you, but I know you are in a much better place now. I hope to see you again. Love you
Wayne mcclure
Hi theresa don’t know if you will remember me or not i worked with your dad at Chrysler. We were friends for several years
I had gone to west Virginia to visit him just before he passed
So sorry to hear about Wayne your brother
I was sitting here thinking of your dad and wondering where you kids had gone.
I opened up my phone and put in waynes name what a jolt that was. Theresa i wish you and your family well sincerely Wayne mcclure