Darrel Dean Smith, 62 of Radcliffe, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 27, 2023, after fighting many health challenges over the last two years.

Darrel, and to some of you, he was known as "Big D" "Smitty" "Tubby" was born January 11, 1961, in Nevada, Iowa, the son of Roland A. and Norma Jean (Popp) Smith. He attended NESCO High School. In his younger years, he worked in the family taverns, Smith's Lounge in McCallsburg and Smitty's Tap in Nevada.  September 17, 1988, Darrel married Keli Kraus in Nevada, Iowa.  They were blessed with four, beautiful daughters.  The couple later divorced.  As an adult, nearly everything Darrel did revolved around driving. If it paid, he hauled it; from livestock to aggregates and everything in between! He drove for a variety of farmers and OTR companies throughout his life, along with Smiths Amusements, Hoover trucking, and was hauling for Jensen Farms of Nevada at the time of his passing.

When Darrel wasn't driving for a living, you could probably find him driving for fun…checking in (unannounced) on family, going racing with Dustin, or just 'surveying the situation' around town.

Darrel enjoyed painting model cars, collecting belt buckles, and anything to do with eagles. Also, whether it be a set of wheels, chrome on a truck, or the whole tractor, he took great pride in "making things shine". He especially loved to spend time with his dog, Marley. It wasn't often that you'd catch Darrel without her.

He had an interesting way of expressing himself, but Darrel did truly love his family.

Darrel is survived by his daughters, Shyla (Dustin) West of Radcliffe, Shelby (Sir John) Bergeson of Story City, Sidney (Skyler) Lundberg of Stratford and Shannon Smith (Nicholas Nelson) of Cedar Falls; his son, Joe (Katie) Tarbill of Jewell; his mother, Norma Jean Smith of Nevada; his grandchildren, Autumn "Bug" West, Emerlyn and Everett Bergeson, Baby Lundberg (due in November 2023), Adrienne, Lane and Rylin Tarbill; his brother, Steve (Sherri) Smith of Tiffin; his sister, Denise (Donald) Sadler of Hartley. He was preceded in death by his father; his brother, Jim Smith; his sister, Nancy Weuve, and his nephew Bryan Sadler.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, August 3rd, 2023, at the Fairview Lodge in Story City. A small service for the family will be held at 3:30 p.m. with a celebration to follow from 4-7 p.m.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com