OXFORD — Darrell Stillman Willard, 74, of Oxford, braved a recent diagnosis of esophageal cancer and chose to face it on his own terms. He passed away in the peace of his own home, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019. He was predeceased by both his parents, Luther and Grace Willard; his brother Timothy; his sister Linda; and a daughter, Lori Ann Willard.

He is survived by his wife, Lana Willard of Oxford; his daughter Linda Willard-Berry and her significant other William Oster of Oxford, his daughter Dawn Mills and her spouse Mariano (Tony) of Auburn; grandchildren, Matthew Timothy Willard and family of Oxford, Jared Timothy Archambault and family of Nevada; Brittany Oster and family of Oxford; and Jasinda Betancourth and family of Auburn; as well as his close friend of many years, David Seamon of Mechanic Falls. He was blessed to be able to enjoy six great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Joshua, Louis, Hadley, Liam, and Madison. He also was very happy with the news of another great-grandson on the way.

Darrell was one of three children, attended school in Bridgton and, in 1964 he married Lana Collins. Together they had three daughters and settled in the Oxford Hills for their 55 years of marriage. He had a roofing and chimney business for many years, as well as managed Top Gas in South Paris, and later drove school bus with SAD 17 for 31 years, a job he loved, until retirement.

Darrell’s number one priority was his family. He enjoyed playing cribbage, Five Alive, hunting and fishing, watching football and other favorite television shows. He loved to tell stories and enjoyed teasing and witty sarcasm. Darrell will be remembered for his sick and twisted, inappropriate sense of humor.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the staff at Central Maine Medical Center, and Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice for all their hard work and compassion.

Darrell’s wishes to forgo a traditional funeral will be honored. In lieu of that practice, a reception in his memory will be held at the Oxford Recreation Center at 223 King Street in Oxford, on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m., for those wishing to come and share a hug, a laugh, a story, and to celebrate the lives he touched. A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family at a date and time to be announced.