Darrell R. Asay

Darrell Ray Asay, 86, of Billings passed away peacefully on May 3, 2018 at Aspen Meadows Nursing Home.

Darrell along with his twin sister, Donna, were born to Carl and Anna Fries in Deaver, Wyoming on

August 17, 1931. Their mother died 11 hours after giving birth to the twins leaving 8 other siblings. Their father being unable to care for the newborn's asked James and Sarah Anne Asay to love and care for them. The twins were adopted and raised by the Asay's in Lovell, Wyoming. Darrell graduated from Lovell High School in 1951. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and served as part of the flight crew on several carriers during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged in 1955. He returned to Lovell and found his future bride, Charla Walker and they were married in the Salt Lake City temple on May 4, 1956. They were each other's support for 62 years.

To this union Darrell and Char had 5 children, Duane, Sherry, Tammy (deceased), Lisa and Cyndi.

Shortly after they were married, they moved to Billings so Darrell could attend Billings Business College. After graduation, he went to work for Dick Popelka Trucking and remained working as an accountant/comptroller for various trucking firms for the remainder of his career, retiring from Beall Trailers in 1994.

Darrell was active in the LDS Church for many years serving in various positions in his home wards and Billings Stake.

In 1993 after both of his parents had passed, Darrell pursued finding his biological siblings (Mildred, Ervin, Melvin, Clyde, Esther, Ruby, Harold and Nelson). His newly found family reunited in a three-day reunion in Billings which brought together over 150 family members. He enjoyed getting to know them throughout the years.

Darrell's many joys in life included camping, hunting, target shooting, reading, his beloved black labs, Jackson and Pepper, sweets of any and all kinds, but most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends. He was well known for his quick wit.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Char, his children, Duane (Judy) Asay, Sherry (Bill) Flanick, son in law, Paul Stiles, Lisa (Bob) Hendershot, Cyndi Asay, his grandchildren, Mike (Hillary) Flanick, Chris (Jamie) Flanick, Scott Flanick, Lynndee (James) Madison, Matt Holom, Cody (Katie) Holom, Daniel Asay, Errick Asay, Alan (Julie) Ballew, David (Tara) Ballew and 9 great grandchildren. Darrell is preceded in death by his parents', sisters Donna, Mildred, Esther, Ruby, brothers Ervin, Melvin, Clyde, Harold, Nelson and daughter, Tammy.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, May 8th at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2929 Belvedere Drive, with Interment in Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org) or The American Diabetes Association in Darrell's name.