Darrell Ray Christensen
Darrell Ray Christensen, 84, of Malad City, Idaho, passed away on September 20, 2016, at the Hospice Home of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
He was born April 21, 1932, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Soren A. Christensen and Merle Bailey Christensen. He grew up in Malad at-tending school, working on a farm, and graduating from Malad High School in 1950.
He was drafted into the US Army in 1952 and served in the Korean War as a sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1954, earning the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star. Returning from the war, he enrolled in Idaho State University and then transferred to the University of Idaho graduating in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
Upon completion of his university studies, he started his career working for Sandia Corporation, a national defense contractor in Livermore, California, and worked there for the next 30 years.
He married Patricia Ann Storer of Blackfoot, Idaho, on July 20, 1957. Later they were sealed in the LDS Idaho Falls Temple on July 3, 1964. To this union were born three children: David, Lori and Michael. Later they were divorced on May 15,1988.
Darrell was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings most particularly in clerking-related positions.
Darrell loved the outdoors, photography, and his family. He enjoyed camping, hiking, motor-biking, and geo-caching all over the western United States.
He is survived by a son, David Ray Christensen (Joy) of Salem, Utah; daughter, Lori Ann Rego of Livermore, California; and son, Michael Ray Christensen of Salt Lake City, Utah; brother, Lynn James Christensen (Marilee) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; sister, JoAnn (Linford Henderson) of Murray, Utah; brother, Daniel Kay Christensen (Althea) of Downey, Idaho; brother, Larry Bailey Christensen (Kay) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and brother, Alan Neil Christensen (Sherrie) of Federal Way, Washington; six grandchildren and one great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Soren A. Christensen and Merle Bailey Christensen, and his brother, Soren Duane Christensen.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 2016, at the LDS Malad 4th Ward Chapel located at 20 South 100 West, Malad City, Idaho.