Darrell's life began August 21, 1956 in Athens, Ohio. He spent his childhood in Ohio but most of his lifetime in Watervliet. One day while at Bill Stewart's Drive Inn he met Theresa Liles, they married June 25, 1977. Darrell and Theresa enjoyed 43 years of marriage, raising their daughters and spoiling their grandchildren. Darrell worked for many years at the Watervliet Paper Mill, after the mill he worked as a meat cutter and mananged meat departments at Harding's, Wagner's and Village Market. The job he enjoyed the most was running Buckshot Archery along side his wife. Outside of work you could find Darrell hunting, fishing, camping, shooting guns, enjoying archery, and especially enjoying his grandchildren.

Darrell's greatest joy was spending time with his large loving family including: two daughters Heather Vasquez and Brandi (Jacob) Atherton; 10 grandchildren Britnie (Steve) Finehout, Makaylah Vasquez (Daniel Sanborn), Devin Skogen, Briahna (Austin) Silvia, Theresa Skogen (Coty Krueger), Ahlexis Vasquez, Maryah Vasquez, Jacob Atherton, Austin Vasquez, and Daxton Atherton; three great grandchildren Jayce Finehout, Ivie Finehout, and Remi Skogen; his mom Charlotte (Bowersock) Phillips; three siblings Rodney (Sandra) Phillips, Randy (Sharon) Phillips, and Brenda (Howard) Parker; and many nieces and nephews.

Darrell died Monday, April 19, 2021, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. His loving wife Theresa (Liles) Phillips, a son-in-law Tom Vasquez, his dad Darrell N. Phillips, nephews Rusty and Shane Phillips, and a great niece Zoe Phillips precede Darrell in death. Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting Darrell's family with cremation. His life will be celebrated later with a graveside service where he will be laid to rest with his wife. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Darrell's family.