Darrell was born in Brewster, WA to Donald W. Patterson and Joy L. Patterson. Darrell moved to Santa Monica, CA as a child and attended Paul Revere Middle School and Palisades High School. Darrell attended Santa Monica College, playing trumpet with the band. He traveled with the band playing in various cities in the United States and Mexico. The highlight of his time playing trumpet was when his college band performed in the Macy’s Day Parade.

Darrell attended Queen of Angels Paramedic School in Los Angeles, graduating in 1974. He worked as a Paramedic in Watts, CA before moving to Lancaster, CA where he was a Paramedic for an ambulance company until 1978 when he moved to Oregon to continue working as a Paramedic with a state number of 006. Darrell worked for Willamette Ambulance in Salem, OR until he went to work for Marion County Fire District #1 in 1979 where he worked as a Firefighter/Engineer and Paramedic for 23 years progressing through the ranks to Captain.

Darrell worked for Chemeketa Community College as a fire and EMT instructor from 1988-1998 where he taught numerous EMT’s for the State of Oregon. Following his time at Marion County Fire District #1, Darrell went to work for Polk County Fire District No.1 as Assistant Chief then became the Fire Chief in 2004, retiring in 2007.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 31 years, Joy S. Patterson, and their two sons, Joshua (Courtney) and Travis. From a previous marriage, Dawn, Jason, Thomas, and Kimberly. Brother Jim, and sister Linda, and 8 grandchildren and 2 nieces. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bruce.