Vigen Memorial Home obituary - Darryle W. "Bill" McCracken, 73, Keokuk

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Darryle W. “Bill” McCracken, 73 of Keokuk, IA died Monday, October 1, 2018 at Unity Point-Keokuk.

Bill was born on September 7, 1945 in Oklahoma City to Raleigh and Maxine Savery Barbor. Later his mother remarried and Bill had his name changed to McCracken, to match that of his step-father, Leroy McCracken. He graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, TX.

MCCRACKEN

After many years of being single, he was reunited with Connie Adams Marlin, whom he had dated and fell in love with during his Navy days in San Francisco. They were married in Keokuk, IA on October 3, 2015. She survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, from a previous marriage, Merideth (Matthew) Bahnsen of Houston, TX and their son Grant, one half-brother, Allen McCracken of Texas, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill learned sign language while in his 20’s and became a house parent to fifteen boys at a deaf school. He then had a long career in various sales jobs.

Bill loved life and lived every moment to the fullest. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Texas A&M and then joined the United States Navy. He was very proud of his service to his country during the Vietnam War. During his time on the USS Oriskany Bill became the D.J. to the Pacific Fleet, with an evening radio show called “Bill Mac’s Rock Collage”. He always loved music, but even more than music he loved golf. He was on the golf team in his Dallas High School, at Texas A&M and in the Navy. He continued to be an avid golfer until he was too weak to play, but continued to follow the sport.

He was a member of First Christian Church in Keokuk and the Elks Club in Keokuk.

Bill was a sweet, loving, fun and funny guy. He loved God, golf, cigars, rock and roll, hot dogs, sausage, fine restaurants, road trips and so much more. Bill was a kind and considerate husband who loved his wife, Connie, very much.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, October 11, 2018 at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Keokuk with Pastor David Turner officiating, Burial with military rites will be in the Keokuk National Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk is assisting the family with arrangements.

On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Darrlye "Bill" McCracken, death, Keokuk, obituary, Pen City Current, veteran, Vigen Memorial Home